Oregon Birds The quarterly journal of Oregon field ornithology Volume 29, Number 1, Spring 2003
Members Gallery Special Color Edition Part 1...... 1 A Message from Your President Oregons First Mary Anne Sohlstrom...... 3 Memories with LeRoy Fish: the Man Who Did Blue-footed Booby! Not Fit in a Box Matthew G. Hunter...... 4 Oregons First Blue-footed Booby Eric Horvath...... 6 2002 Oregon Listing Results Jamie Simmons...... 8 Brown Creepers Nest in a Manuctured Creeper House Noah Strycker...... 17 Black Phoebe Nesting at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge John Lundsten...... 18 Site Guide: Siltcoos Estuary Area, Lane County Alan Contreras...... 19 Birds in the Hand: 2002 Banders Field Season Photographs...... 21 Supplement to Taxonomic Comments on Selected Species of Birds from the Pacific Northwest M. Ralph Browning...... 24 Vagrancy of Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) from Washington to Baja California, with Notes on Identification of Juveniles Steven G. Mlodinow...... 27 Albinistic Male Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena) Discovered Along the Walla Walla River, Umatilla Co., Oregon Mike Denny...... 31 Site Guide: Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside, Josephine County Dennis Vroman...... 32 Short Notes ...... 36 Field Notes: Western Oregon, Fall 2002 Alan Contreras...... 39 Field Notes: Eastern Oregon, Fall 2002 Ray Korpi...... 55 Birds of theUpper Trout Creek Basin, Harney County Stephen Dowlan...... 62 Members Gallery Special Color Edition Part 2...... 66 MEMBERS GALLERY Special color edition
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, 22 Oct, Fernhill Wetlands, Washington Co. Photo/Ruth Sullivan.
Swamp Sparrow, 28 Nov, Baker Beach Swamp, Lane Co./Photo/Noah Strycker
Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, 30 October, Mary's Peak, Benton Co. Photo/Sylvia Maulding
Oregon Birds 29(1): 1, Spring 2003 Oregon Birds is looking for material in Oregon Birds these categories: The quarterly journal of Oregon Field Ornithology News Briefs on things of temporal P.O. Box 10373, Eugene, Oregon 97440 importance, such as meetings, birding trips, www.oregonbirds.org announcements, news items, etc. Oregon Birds is a quarterly publication of Oregon Field Ornithologists (OFO), an Oregon not-for-profit corporation. Articles deal with identification, distribution, Membership in OFO includes a subscription to Oregon Birds. ecology, management , conservation, ISSN 0890-2313 taxonomy, behavior, biology, and historical aspects of ornithology and birding in Editor: Stephen Dowlan Oregon. Articles cite references (if any) at Associate Editor: Don DeWitt the end of the article. Names and addresses Board of Editors: Alan Contreras, Matt Hunter, Dave Irons, of authors typically appear at the beginning Terry Murray, Mike Patterson, Ray Korpi of the article. Short Notes are shorter contributions that Officers and Board of Directors deal with the same subjects as articles. Short Notes typically cite no references, or President: Mary Anne Sohlstrom, Salem (2003) at most a few in parentheses in the text. [email protected] Names and address of authors appear at the Secretary: Tom Love, Durham (2003) end of the Short Note. [email protected] Treasurer: Jeff Harding, Lebanon (2003) Bird Finding Guides where to find a [email protected] ______in Oregon (for some of the rarer Directors: Joel Geier, Monmouth (2004) birds) and where to find birds in the ____ [email protected] area (for some of the better spots). David Tracy, Bend (2004) [email protected] Reviews for published material on Oregon Stephen Dowlan, Mehama (2003) birds or of interest to Oregon birders. [email protected] Photographs of birds, especially photos Dennis Vroman, Grants Pass (2003) [email protected] taken recently in Oregon. Color slide duplicates are preferred. Please label all Committees photos with photographers name and address, bird identification, date and location Publications: Open - Contact the President if interested of photo. Photos will be returned if requested. Archivist: Open - Contact the President if interested Deadline for Next Issue of Oregon Birds, Membership: Anne Heyerly [email protected] OB 29(2), Summer 2003 is May 15, 2003. (541) 485-0880 Please send material directly to the Editor, Steve Dowlan, P.O. Box 220, Mehama, OFO Bookcase: Lucy Biggs, [email protected] OR, 97384 503-859-3691 [email protected] OFO Birding Ray Korpi , [email protected] Weekends: 12611 N.E. 99th St.,Apt. DD-214, Cover photo: Blue-footed Booby , 7-9 Sep Vancouver, WA 98682 360-604-0122 2002, Yaquina Head,Lincoln Co. Photo/Eric Horvath Oregon Bird Records Secretary, Harry B. Nehls, Printed on Committee: [email protected], 2736 SE 20th Ave., Recycled Paper Portland, OR 97202. 503-233-3976
Oregon Birds 29(1): 2, Spring 2003 A Message from your President
Mary Anne Sohlstrom, President, 4792 Lancaster Drive NE #108, Salem, OR 97305, [email protected]
So, who are these Oregon Field Ornithologists? This question arose in recent board meetings as the board began thinking about and discussing whether OFO should work more pro-actively in the area of conservation, especially as it relates to birds and their habitat. We realized that we, the board, were not exactly sure just who our members are and how they view OFO as an organization. To answer these questions we decided to take advantage of our connection to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Linfield College to develop the first ever membership survey. Our thanks to Tom Love and especially to Jeff Peterson, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Sociology, and his Social Research Methods class. And, our thanks to the 230 OFO members who took the time to respond to the survey! What are we learning? The board has not received the final report which we hope to publish in a future issue of Oregon Birds. There is strong agreement that OFO is doing a pretty good job with our core activities and strong agreement that we should include conservation issues in our future plans. The board is looking forward to the complete report that will help to shape our policy discussions and decisions over the next several years. OFO is also pleased to represent the Oregon Birding Community in recognizing and thanking our neighbors who have the great good luck to have a rare bird visit their yard and who then welcome birders to visit their homes and neighborhoods to enjoy these rare visitors. Pamela Johnston
Oregon Birds 29(1): 3, Spring 2003 Memories with LeRoy Fish: the man who did not fit in a box Matthew G. Hunter, 2205 NW 13th St. Corvallis, OR 97330, [email protected], 541-752-4604
LeRoy Fish died at home, on the morning of Wednesday, March 20, 2002. He just went out to the barn to do chores and his wife Jackie found him a while later in the shop. He was being treated for congestive heart failure. Many intellectual endeavors of man seek to put reality in a box. We even foolishly attempt to put our fellow sojourners in such boxes. I am tickled to say that not only was LeRoy Fish too big of a man to fit into most physical boxes, so also was he nearly impossible to put into any conceptual box. LeRoy Fish was a man who did not fit in any box. I will miss him. I want to tell you of some memories of events that I experienced with LeRoy on a trip that he and I took to southeastern Oregon in June 1999. It was the last year of the Oregon Breeding Bird Atlas Project. Through LeRoy Fish, fall 1997. Photo/S. Shunk the course of normal conversation LeRoy and I decided that we would try to cover some of the most remote around in proud rocking-horse motion, setting over the Oregon Canyon hexagons in southeastern Oregon, his long black mane tossing in the Mountains and Steens Mountain. It where Nevada and Idaho seem only wind, and stopped and stared at us was an unbeatable performance with a stones throw away. OBBA grant some more. It kept this up, so that it which to end the evening and head money (for gas) was a plus because completely circled us in a period of back to camp to sleep the night away. it was a long drive. about 5 minutes, keeping about a 200- A couple days later we tried I asked LeRoy about having yard distance. When the stallion again to work our way north to Three Forks. extra gas along with us. He said he neared its herd it called to them and On the plateau just south of the deep had a 5-gallon can ready. I asked him they all raced off together. There was canyon of the main Owyhee River we if we could bring 10; I didnt want to no doubt we were impressed and felt lost the 4WD track in the sagebrush sacrifice birding time just to drive out fortunate to have had a vehicle to jump and grass among basket-ball-sized several hours to get gas (as it turned back into should the stallion have rocks, which we could no longer out we didnt use either can!). made good on any of his threatening negotiate. We were disappointed. LeRoy showed up early one displays. Nevertheless, the day before we had morning in front of my house in Adair We spent one night on the stared down into the canyon in awe Village (north of Corvallis). Gear was north edge of Battle Mountain, near at the rock formations, caves, and lava packed away in the back of his truck, the site that several folks had observed flows, and the previous evening we with a heavy canvas tarp tied down Virginias Warblers the year before had enjoyed the duetting song of a over it all. I put all my stuff under it (we had none). As the sun set, I stood pair of juniper-nesting Western and away we went. at the edge of the north rim, a 100-ft Screech-Owls. We turned back and We arrived at Basque in the cliff, and video-taped what appeared went around to Three Forks the easy afternoon, took a short break there to be an aerial dance of two Common way on highway 95, almost 20 times and then headed south and east into Ravens. The dance lasted at least half the distance from where we turned the higher country. an hour. The two birds coursed through back. At one point we spotted a the air in a huge oval pattern, joining, From Three Forks we worked band of wild horses and stopped to parting, dashing, darting, calling our way up Brown Ridge, south of look at them. As we got out of the infrequently. Over and over they the Middle Fork of the Owyhee River. truck a black stallion separated from followed the same path, repeating the We spent the night on the south side the herd a short distance and turned same moves, as if in a mid-air of the river in the small canyon. After to stare directly at us. It pranced ballroom, with a backdrop of the sun some local birding the next morning
Oregon Birds 29(1): 4, Spring 2003 we headed out, driving slowly along man told, but I knew that would spoil they gave us a couple tips on how and a fence line. After a couple miles we (and end) the spontaneity and openness where to travel. As we parted, I relaxed were coming up on some buckaroos of the conversation; I might as well in my fortune that LeRoy was on their working some cattle and moving them have jumped out of the truck with side of the truck, not me. through a gate. As we approached, the Bermuda shorts and sunglasses. It was When we had finally made it three buckaroos on their horses clear I would have only my memory. out of the vicinity for the day I closed gathered up on the opposite side of LeRoy began by telling them one last gate (many of the roads went the fence, faced us squarely, in a we had just come up Brown Ridge through private land, especially along perfect row, all with the exact same and camped last night down by an old the rivers). As I did I saw a sign, posture: right hand on the saddle horn, cabin on the river. Naming some local referring to the area we had just come left hand tucked under the right armpit, landmarks sparked the older mans from. The sign said that (due to some left elbow resting on the right hand interest, and he asked if we had seen recent government decisions) the area and saddle horn, and eyes fixed right any cattle on our way up. We had seen was closed and that no one was at us. It was a allowed to pass threatening formation. through the private I was getting a little road (we had come nervous (wait until they up a back-country find out were bird route from the watchers and wildlife other direction so biologists!). I figured saw no such signs we would wave and along the way we keep right on going. entered). At that LeRoy pulled up right point I realized that across the fence from those buckaroos, them, stopped, and that old man, had turned off the truck. Oh surely been kind to no, I thought. Oh my us during our God, what is he going encounter with to say? I figured he them earlier in the was really going to get day. We both had us into trouble now. But presented a we had one thing going potential threat: for us: LeRoy looked LeRoy and I like an old miner, and coming from who- had a down-to-earth LeRoy Fish at Battle Mountain, Harney County, June, 1999. knows-where and speech that could Photo/Matt Hunter. up to who-knows- placate a mama bear what, and the with cubs. a heifer at a water hole on the plateau, buckaroos lining up in their combat The buckaroos were one older just up from the river. The man was formation. I was glad that LeRoy was man and two younger men, probably appreciative of the information there to participate in the in their 30s. LeRoy rolled down the because they had just tried to get all communication of mutual respect and window. The old buckaroo spoke first the cattle out of that area, and said You lost or somethin? The young something about always missing one longsuffering with that older man. buckaroos did not say a word at that or two. LeRoy mentioned we had just The remainder of the trip was time, nor during the duration of our been down in the Battle Mountain less eventful. Back at Three Forks 20-minute conversation, and did not area. The mans demeanor again again we marveled at the canyon flinch as far as I could tell the entire softened and brightened, and his formations and the hot springs, and time. I didnt say much either, but I conversation became filled with story. finally headed home. Later I copied fidgeted more than the young guys on He said he used to buckaroo down in over two hours of video of birds and the horses. What took place over the that area when he was younger. He other things, including LeRoy, that we next 20 minutes was no less than said the sage hens used to be so astounding. I so, so badly, wanted to common down there you had to shoo saw on our trip and sent them to video-tape the entire conversation, and them out from under the lone junipers LeRoy. It was a trip to remember. capture the image of these buckaroos so you could get your own shade. We Now, my friend LeRoy is in formation, and the stories the older told them of our tentative plans and REALLY out of the box.
Oregon Birds 29(1): 5, Spring 2003 Oregons First Blue-footed Booby Eric Horvath, P.O. Box 721, South Beach, OR 97366
On 7 September 2002, a Blue-footed Booby amazingly appeared at Yaquina Head lighthouse in Lincoln County. The Blue-footed Booby was initially identified by Alvaro Jaramillo and George Armistead who were leading a birding tour for Field Guides. They immediately recognized that this was a remarkable rarity, and made phone calls to other birders who posted a message on OBOL (Oregon Birders On Line). Word spread quickly on the Internet, and the bird was seen by many observers. The Blue-footed Booby remained at the lighthouse for 3 days. Yaquina Head is the site of a large colony of Common Murres and Brandts Cormorants. Many of these nest on colony rock, a treeless sea stack separated from the mainland by only about 50 meters. The Blue-footed Booby chose colony rock as its roost site, and most of the observations were of the bird perched there. At times the Booby perched in full view on top of colony rock, while at other times it perched on the west (back) side of the rock. For several hours on Sunday, 8 September, the Booby was visible from shore only by ascending the lighthouse. About 30 birders took turns going up to view the bird from this vantage point. At other times the bird was seen flying and later preening, which allowed observers to study various field marks. The kelp flies at Yaquina Head were also memorable since they landed in aggravating numbers on the faces of those watching the booby. Since the bird was not visible at all times, some folks had to wait awhile for it to appear from the backside of colony rock. During this time a good deal of humor was made, some to do with the name of bird of the quest. The bird was clearly a sulid by its distinctive shape. In addition to what is visible in the photo, it was Blue-footed Booby , 7-9 Sep 2002, Yaquina Head,Lincoln Co. Photo/Eric Horvath generally brown dorsally, but had a white rump and a white spot on the back of the neck. The tail was brown, the central dorsal rectrices. The missing some central tail feathers. but showed a pattern of white at the plumage (especially the tail) was The bill was light gray, and the feet bases of the rectrices, and white in worn, and the bird appeared to be were grayish-blue (not a bright blue).
Oregon Birds 29(1): 6, Spring 2003 The eye was brown, not pale. With records are from the Salton Sea in for at least ten minutes on September the combination of these characters it California, where they are considered 9th, the last day it was seen. I was was concluded that this bird was rare but regularly occurring. lucky enough to be at Yaquina Head neither a juvenile nor an adult, but a Mlodinow & OBrien (1996, when the fog had lifted and the Booby second-year bird (sub-adult). Americas 100 Most Wanted Birds) was out in full sun. By aiming my For Oregon birders this was have analyzed the U.S. records, and digital camera through the eyepiece an historic occasion, since it is the first peak numbers occur from mid-August of my spotting scope (the digiscoping record of Blue-footed Booby in the through September. Along the Pacific technique), I was able to capture this state. Blue-footed Boobies normally Coast there are far fewer records (only remarkable image. I would like to reside along the Pacific Coast of 23 records as of 1996), with most of thank all the people who made detailed Central and South America, occurring these being from central and southern from Peru north to Mexico. They California. One exceptional record is postings to OBOL (Range Bayer, breed in the Galapagos Islands and on from Washington in September 1935. Darrel Faxon, Greg Gillson, Dave islands in the Sea of Cortez (Harrison, The photo shows the Blue- Lauten, Kathy Castelein, Wayne 1983, Seabirds). In the United States, footed Booby raising its foot, which Hoffman, John Hull, Gerard Lillie, Blue-footed Boobies sometimes stray is one of the spectacular displays they Michel Kleinbaum, Harry Nehls, Ruth north of Mexico to various areas of use on their breeding grounds. The Sullivan, Marg Tweelinckx), their the Southwest. Over half of the U.S. bird was holding its foot out steadily notes helped to prepare this article.
And all that remained for Ruby Was that damned blue-footed booby, A sula nebouxii left high and dry; The tragic pelagic So eager to breed in July.
The Adventures of Ruby and Captain Pearl by E.F. Gannett, Ca 1899
Oregon Birds 29(1): 7, Spring 2003 OFO Bookcase Oregon Field Ornithologists Publications:
Special Publication No. 1 Bibliography of Oregon Ornithology: An Updating for Other Publications: the Years 1971-1977, With a Revised Cross-Referenced List of the Birds of Oregon. 1980. Mark Egger. New! Checklist of Oregon Birds, compiled by the $3.00 $_____ Oregon Bird Records Committee Special Publication No. 3 $2.50 $_____ Index to Oregon Bird Reports in Audubon Field Notes Northwest Birds in Winter and American Birds 1947-1981. 1982. Clarice Watson. Alan Contreras. Oregon State University Press, 1997, $3.00 $_____ 264 pp., softcover. Special Publication No. 4 $17.95 $_____ A Bibliography of Bird Identification Articles in Five Journals, with Cross-References to a List of Over 580 Annotated Bibliography of Oregon Bird Literature Species. 1987. Clarice Watson. Published Before 1935 $4.00 $_____ George A. Jobanek. Oregon State University Press, Special Publication No. 6 1997, 496 pp., hardcover. Birds of Northeast Oregon: An Annotated Checklist for $45.00 $_____ Union and Wallowa Counties. Second Edition (Revd). 1992. Joe Evanich. A Birders Guide to the Klamath Basin $5.00 $_____ Steve Summers. 1993, 85 pp. Special Publication No. 8 Out of Stock! Birds of Malheur County, Oregon. 1996. Alan Contreras and Robert R. Kindschy, illustrated by Ramiel Papish. Birds of Oregon: Status and Distribution SOLD OUT! $_____ Jeff Gilligan et al. 1994, 330 pp., softcover. Special Publication No. 10 FEW LEFT! $12.00 $_____ Cumulative Index to Oregon Birds, Vol. 1-22, 1998. Alan Contreras. $5.50 $_____ Birding the Southern Oregon Coast Special Publication No. 11 Cape Arago Audubon Society, 1996, 96 pp., softcover. A Guide to Birds and other Wildlife of the Columbia $10.00 $_____ River Estuary. 1998. Mike Patterson. $7.50 $_____ A Birders Guide to the Sewage Ponds of Oregon Special Publication No. 12 or Creatures from the Brown Lagoons. By William Tice. Birds of Coos County, Oregon: status and distribution. A guide to Oregon sewage ponds with maps, directions, 1998. Alan Contreras. etiquette and birds of interest at each site. $16.00 $_____ Out of Stock! Special Publication No. 13 A Pocket Guide to Oregon Birds. Second Edition, 1999. OFO Birder Card Packet of 50 Alan Contreras. $2.50 $_____ $6.00 $_____ Special Publication No.14 OFO Lapel Pin 1-inch, OFO logo A Distributional List of the Land Birds of West Central $7.00 $_____ Oregon (1917). Alfred C. Shelton. 2002 (edited by Noah K. Strycker). OFO T-Shirt 20.00 $_____ Specify S, M, L, and XL $14.00 $_____ Special Publication No. 15 XXL only $16.00 $_____ Birds of Lane County, Oregon: A Checklist. 2002. SWOC and OFO. single copy $1.00 $_____ OFO Window Decal 4-inch, OFO logo 10 or more, each $0.75 $_____ $2.30 $_____ Oregon Birds back issues Volumes 5-24. Price varies; write for availability and prices. TOTAL $__.__ $_____ Shipping paid this Pocket card checklist of Oregon birds (field checking for all items on page $_____ card fits into field guide) this page Single $1.00 $_____ Pack of 10 $6.00 $_____ OFO Bookcase continues on the next page! Eleanor Pughs Natural Sound Cassettes: CASSETTES WITH VOCAL IDENTIFICATION AND/OR NARRATIVE Forest Birds $10.00 $______Seventy-two species of mountain and upland birds of true forest. A few small squirrels that may sound like birds. This cassette compliments Woodland Birds to cover almost all birds to be generally found in wooded habitats. 90 min. Birds of Woodland Edges $10.00 $______75 species of western bird songs of the more common lowland birds. Songs and calls in a format that is easy to use for reference and familiarity. 90 min. Birds of the Wetlands $10.00 $______Songs and calls from lakes, marshes, and streams. Covers loon, grebes, herons, waterfowl, shorebirds, and riparian species etc. 58 species, and marsh choruses to practice identification. 90 min. Birds of the High Desert $10.00 $______Calls, songs, and other sounds of the fascinating birds east of the Cascades and Sierra Nevada arranged according to the specialize favored habitats of high desert fauna. 60 min. Birds of the Southwestern Desert $10.00 $______Calls, songs, and other sounds of 42 species of(primarily) the Sonoran Desert. 60 min. Backyard Bird Songs $10.00 $______Songs and calls of 28 species of birds that generally come to landscaped backyards and feeding stations. In-depth samples of the variety of sounds in their musical language. 60 min. Wintering Birds of the Rogue Valley $10.00 $______82 species, with calls. Includes grebes, ducks, and others commonly found through the winter. 90 min. Learn to Identify Birds by Ear (Western) $10.00 $______A self-guided workshop with hands-on practice and back-to-back comparisons of confusing species; generous samples of recordings, including an easy quiz to review species you already know. 90 min. Learn to Identify Birds by Ear (Eastern) $10.00 $______Same as above, using 47 eastern species. 90 min. Confusing Species $10.00 $______Back-to-back comparisons of the calls and songs of 56 species, including some shorebirds and visually confusing birds, with tips on distinguishing each by ear. 90 min. Night-Birding: Owls and Others $10.00 $______7 species of owls and 12 other species of birds that call and sing in the dark. 60 min. Warblers of the West $10.00 $______This is the same as Warblers I and Warblers II. Twenty species, with in-depth comparisons of variations, and tips to identification, especially of, those confusing spring warbler songs, and call notes. 60 min. Shorebirds and Rails $10.00 $______Various sounds of these birds of the wind and water as they are found in the 3 contiguous western states. 25 species of shorebirds, 3 species of rails. Wildlife Voices by Family (choose any 2 per cassette) $10.00 $______Owls, Woodpeckers, Flycatchers, 4 difficult Flycatchers, Wrens, Thrushes, Finches, Sparrows I (humid), Sparrows II (arid), Warblers I, Warblers II (CD also available) , Swallows, Finches and Buntings, Mammals, Pacific Tidelands , Fall Comes to NW, Shorebirds I, Shorebirds and Rails II
CASSETTES WITH NO VOCAL NARRATIVE, FOR UNDISTRACTED LISTENING $10.00 $______Beautiful Bird Songs of the West 26 species; generous selections of pleasant songs, as heard in the wild. Enclosure with species listed; 60 min. An Almanac of Western Habitats - Northwestern $10.00 $______A series of sound walks in various habitats, throughout the year. Enclosure describes events and lists species for each walk. 90 min.
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Write for a complete list. Recorded, edited, and produced by Eleanor A. Pugh. High quality normal bias ferric oxide tape will be sent unless high bias tape is specified. Please check your tape player for a High Bias switch to be sure. $ CDs now available - 72-80 minutes $15.00 + $2 shipping and handling First Page Contact OFO Bookcase for titles $ Make checks payable to Oregon Field Ornithologists or OFO. Grand Total Mail OFO ______Bookcase orders to: Your Name ______OFO Publications Your Address c/o Lucy Biggs ______25977 Clay Drive City State Zip Veneta, OR 97487 ______Telephone/Email [email protected] OFO Membership Form ____ $25.00 Individual ____ $30.00 Family Make check payable to Oregon Field Ornithologists or OFO ____ $50.00 Sustaining ____ $14.00 Students (Grades K-12) ______$100.00 OFO Patron Name ______$______Tax-deductible Address contribution $______Oregon Fund ______for Ornithology City State Zip
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___ Renewal ___New Member Mail OFO Membership Form to: OFO ______Do NOT put my name and phone number in OFO Directory C/o Treasurer PO Box 10373 ______Do NOT sell or pass along my name from the OFO mailing list Eugene, OR 97440 Oregon Breeding Bird Atlas CD ROM AVAILABLE NOW!
With pleasure, we announce the release of the CD- ROM for the Oregon Breeding Bird Atlas Project. This CD is the culmination of 8 years of diligent efforts by many volunteers who participated in the 5- year project, the largest wildlife survey in Oregon's history. This CD represents a milestone in Oregon ornithology and an innovative way of communicating biodiversity data. The CD works on either a PC or Macintosh. All you need is an internet browser such as Netscape or Internet Explorer.
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______Name
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______City State Zip 2002 Oregon Listing Results Jamie Simmons, 1430 NW Terracegreen Place, Corvallis, OR 97330 [email protected] Notable Oregon listing milestones of 2002: Tim Rodenkirk smashed the 16-year-old Oregon year record, and thus added a third personal entry to the all- time top ten state year list. Walt Yungen and Bob Stites also added new totals to the top ten state year list. Jack Corbett and Walt Yungen reached 400 for their Oregon life lists. In county life lists, Tim Rodenkirk (Coos) and Mark Nikas (Linn) emerged as new leaders, while Paul Sherrell (Lane), Bill Tice (Polk), and Dave Irons (Tillamook) tied for the lead. Leaders in Curry, Gilliam, and Linn have very slim leads. Ron Maertz became the first birder to reach 300 in Douglas County. New county year records were set by Chuck Gates (Crook), Norm Barrett (Jackson), Mark Nikas (Linn), Iain Tomlinson (Multnomah--by 25 birds!), Roy Gerig (Polk), Trent Bray (Union), and Frank and Sue Conley (Wallowa). John Fitchen as well broke the late Joe Evanich's 1988 Multnomah year record, by 18 birds. A hearty thanks to all who submitted their listing numbers! Totals marked with an asterisk (*) are previously submitted totals; no updated total was received this year. Only totals of 400 or more for the Oregon life list are carried through without an updated list. County totals are carried through from year to year only if they are leading in that county. Names marked with () symbol honor deceased birders.
Oregon State List (300) 394 Barbara Combs 364 Jamie Simmons 464* Jeff Gilligan 394 Joe Evanich () 362 Chuck Gates 444* Tom Crabtree 393 David Copeland 362 Mark Nikas 442* Owen Schmidt 393 Patty Bernardi 361Jeff Harding 437 Gerard Lillie 393 Reid Freeman 359 Henry Gilmore 433 Sheran Wright 391Diane Pettey 358 Stuart Sparkman 431* Jim Johnson 391Stephen Dowlan 355 Marion Corder () 426* Richard Smith 390 Craig Corder 354 Eva Schultz 425 Alan Contreras 389 Bill Tice 353 Karen Viste-Sparkman 423 Paul Sullivan 388 John Lundsten 352 Marilyn Miller 420 Tim Janzen 387 Jan Krabbe () 351Anne Heyerly 417* David Bailey 385 Greg Gillson 351Paul Osburn 414* Donna Lusthoff 385 Marshall Beretta 348 Michael Nomina 413 Craig Miller 385 Mike Patterson 348 Norm Barrett 413 Dave Irons 384 Kamal Islam 346 John Fitchen 413 Jim Carlson 382 Sylvia Maulding 344 Don DeWitt 413* Rick Krabbe 380 Dan Heyerly 342 Jim Rogers 411 Hendrik Herlyn 378 Ed McVicker 342 Vjera Arnold 411* Skip Russell 377 Don Schrouder 338 Karl Fairchild 409 Tom Mickel 375 Martha Sawyer () 337 Carol Karlen 408 Tim Shelmerdine 375 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 335 Tanya E. Bray 406 Paul Sherrell 375 Rich Hoyer 334 Marcia F. Cutler 406* Linda Weiland 374 Ron Maertz 332 Fred Zeillemaker 402 Alan McGie 374 Ulo Kiigemagi 331Lewis Rems 401* Steve Summers 371Alice Parker 328 Noah Strycker 400 Jack Corbett 370 Clarice Watson 326 John Sullivan 400 Walt Yungen 369 Floyd Schrock 324 Rick Maulding 399 Tim Rodenkirk 369 Judy Corder 318 Fred Parker () 397 Allison Mickel 368 Roger Robb 318 Wayne C. Weber 395 Steve Kornfeld 366 Don Munson 316 Jim Arneson 395 Tom Love 365 Bob Stites 315 Don Albright
Oregon Birds 29(1): 8, Spring 2003 315 Elmer Specht 2002 Oregon County Lists 116 Joe Fontaine 314 Mike Wihler Baker 114 Rick Maulding 313 Tom Ewert 231* Ann Ward 110 Tom Love 312 Tom Snetsinger 220 Craig Corder 106 Vjera Arnold 308 John Kemper 205 Paul Sullivan 303 Daniel Farrar 172 Merry Lynn & Mike Clackamas 300 Diane Horgan Denny 242 Elmer Specht 148 Walt Yungen 238 Tim Janzen 141 Judy Corder 203 Tim Shelmerdine 129 Tim Shelmerdine 202 Stephen Dowlan Oregon Year List (250) 127 David Copeland 190 Paul Sullivan 363 Tim Rodenkirk 118 Don Munson 185 Ed McVicker 346 Walt Yungen 113 Jamie Simmons 183 David Copeland 340 Bob Stites 112 Wayne C. Weber 149 Walt Yungen 332 Tim Shelmerdine 109 Barbara Combs 148 Tom Love 324 Patty Bernardi 102 Craig Miller 135 Jack Corbett 315 Greg Gillson 126 Tom Ewert 315 Noah Strycker Benton 121 Dave Irons 314 Sylvia Maulding 238* Rick Krabbe 117 Barbara Combs 311 John Sullivan 229 Hendrik Herlyn 105 Craig Corder 310 Diane Pettey 228 Jan Krabbe () 104 Greg Gillson 310 Paul Sherrell 225 Jamie Simmons 102 Henry Gilmore 308 Paul Sullivan 219 Alan McGie 101 Jeff Harding 306 Alan Contreras 213 Rich Hoyer 305 Jack Corbett 208 Ulo Kiigemagi Clatsop 300 Carol Karlen 196 Marcia F. Cutler 314 Mike Patterson 300 Jim Carlson 196 Roy Gerig 261Stephen Warner 295 Hendrik Herlyn 194 David Copeland 240 Dave Irons 293 Ulo Kiigemagi 192 Fred Zeillemaker 237 Henry Gilmore 292 Mark Nikas 188 Tom Snetsinger 229 Paul Sullivan 292 Trent Bray 179 Tanya E. Bray 216 David Copeland 289 Chuck Gates 178 Greg Gillson 211 Greg Gillson 282 Don Albright 169 Bill Tice 208 Tim Shelmerdine 278 Tom Ewert 168 Dave Irons 194 Tom Love 276 Karl Fairchild 167 Paul Sullivan 193 Walt Yungen 273 Tom Love 164 Karen Viste-Sparkman 171 Craig Corder 262 Jeff Harding 164 Mark Nikas 166 Barbara Combs 260 Don DeWitt 162 Barbara Combs 151 Ed McVicker 260 Roger Robb 162 Roger Robb 151 Wayne C. Weber 258 Mike Patterson 161 Walt Yungen 149 Ulo Kiigemagi 254 Jim Moodie 160 Craig Corder 146 Hendrik Herlyn 250 Diane Horgan 159 Jeff Harding 146 Jim Carlson 159 Sylvia Maulding 140 Craig Miller 156 Jack Corbett 133 Tom Ewert 156 Stuart Sparkman 130 Stuart Sparkman Top Ten Oregon Year Lists 153 Carol Karlen 126 Floyd Schrock 363 Tim Rodenkirk (2002) 146 Stephen Dowlan 126 Karen Viste-Sparkman 355 Phillip Pickering (1986) 146 Tim Shelmerdine 125 Fred Zeillemaker 351Tim Janzen (1996) 144 John Sullivan 124 Jack Corbett 348 Tim Rodenkirk (2000) 144 Mike Patterson 119 Jeff Harding 346 Walt Yungen (2002) 142 Jim Carlson 114 Judy Corder 345 Donna Lusthoff (1987) 134 Judy Corder 113 Don Munson 345 Skip Russell (1992) 132 Karl Fairchild 108 Merry Lynn & Mike 344 Jeff Gilligan (1981) 129 Paul Sherrell Denny 342 Tim Rodenkirk (2001) 127 Eva Schultz 107 Jan Krabbe () 340 Bob Stites (2002) 121 Reid Freeman 107 Michael Nomina
Oregon Birds 29(1): 9, Spring 2003 106 Paul Sherrell 147 Don DeWitt 142 Jack Corbett 101 Reid Freeman 146 Jeff Harding 142 Tim Shelmerdine 100 Roger Robb 144 Chuck Gates 141 Jan Krabbe () 143 Judy Corder 140 Barbara Combs Columbia 139 Stuart Sparkman 136 Hendrik Herlyn 214* Phillip Pickering 138 Eva Schultz 134 Alan McGie 170 Paul Sullivan 138 Marcia F. Cutler 131 Roger Robb 160 David Copeland 138 Tanya E. Bray 125 Craig Corder 153 Tim Shelmerdine 135 Bill Tice 124 Noah Strycker 142 Greg Gillson 135 Wayne C. Weber 123 Wayne C. Weber 140 Dave Irons 134 Karen Viste-Sparkman 122 Ron Maertz 131 Tom Love 132 Tom Love 113 Jeff Harding 125 Ed McVicker 123 John Sullivan 111 Sylvia Maulding 120 Tom Ewert 120 Marilyn Miller 107 Craig Miller 119 Walt Yungen 118 Vjera Arnold 102 Judy Corder 117 Craig Corder 113 Tom Ewert 100 Greg Gillson 113 Henry Gilmore 112 Rick Maulding 108 Barbara Combs 111 John Kemper Deschutes 108 Ulo Kiigemagi 288* Tom Crabtree 104 Mike Patterson Crook 276 Craig Miller 103 Michael Nomina 243 Lewis Rems 249 Lewis Rems 239 Chuck Gates 235 Marilyn Miller Coos 228 Craig Miller 233 Paul Sullivan 305 Tim Rodenkirk 203 Paul Sullivan 232 Chuck Gates 292 Alan McGie 183 Marilyn Miller 199 Ulo Kiigemagi 251Paul Sullivan 157 Walt Yungen 197 Greg Gillson 246 Mike Wihler 150 David Copeland 188 Jim Moodie 244 Alan Contreras 138 Jim Moodie 183 Tom Love 238 Dave Irons 136 Eva Schultz 181 Walt Yungen 235 Hendrik Herlyn 134 Craig Corder 179 Bill Tice 232 Don Munson 134 Dave Irons 178 Hendrik Herlyn 229 Alice Parker 125 Ulo Kiigemagi 177 Jim Carlson 227 Jim Rogers 123 Hendrik Herlyn 177 Roger Robb 226 Tim Shelmerdine 123 Roger Robb 173 Henry Gilmore 223 David Copeland 121 Barbara Combs 173 Jan Krabbe () 221Ulo Kiigemagi 118 Greg Gillson 171 David Copeland 221Walt Yungen 117 Judy Corder 171 Eva Schultz 205 Jack Corbett 116 Tim Shelmerdine 169 Paul Sherrell 205 Jim Carlson 114 Jan Krabbe () 167 Tim Shelmerdine 203 Roger Robb 111 Tom Ewert 166 Alice Parker 203 Ron Maertz 108 Marcia F. Cutler 163 Stephen Dowlan 201Sylvia Maulding 100 Tom Love 160 Stuart Sparkman 193 Jan Krabbe () 156 Dave Irons 190 Stephen Dowlan Curry 153 Jack Corbett 185 Paul Sherrell 321Don Munson 150 Barbara Combs 184 Barbara Combs 319 Jim Rogers 150 Carol Karlen 183 Greg Gillson 252 Tim Rodenkirk 149 Karen Viste-Sparkman 180 Anne Heyerly 219 Paul Sullivan 148 Alan McGie 175 Craig Miller 214 Dave Irons 145 Craig Corder 172 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 211 Jim Carlson 140 Jamie Simmons 164 Jamie Simmons 165 Alice Parker 139 Sylvia Maulding 162 Mike Patterson 162 David Copeland 138 Marion Corder () 161 Mark Nikas 157 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 137 Don Munson 156 Noah Strycker 156 Walt Yungen 135 Marcia F. Cutler 154 Craig Corder 149 Ulo Kiigemagi 123 Don DeWitt 151 Reid Freeman 145 Jamie Simmons 121 Judy Corder
Oregon Birds 29(1): 10, Spring 2003 120 Fred Zeillemaker 173 Walt Yungen 194 Chuck Gates 120 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 145 Jan Krabbe () 191 Sylvia Maulding 120 Reid Freeman 141 Craig Corder 191 Vjera Arnold 118 Ron Maertz 131 Ulo Kiigemagi 187 Marcia F. Cutler 116 Jeff Harding 129 Tim Shelmerdine 187 Noah Strycker 115 Mike Patterson 128 David Copeland 187 Reid Freeman 105 Tanya E. Bray 128 Roy Gerig 187 Stuart Sparkman 100 Anne Heyerly 123 Greg Gillson 183 Ron Maertz 123 Paul Sherrell 180 Ed McVicker Douglas 122 Barbara Combs 178 Karen Viste-Sparkman 300 Ron Maertz 120 Jim Carlson 178 Mike Patterson 292 Martha Sawyer () 119 Craig Miller 174 Eva Schultz 289 Alice Parker 118 Jack Corbett 174 Wayne C. Weber 244 Dave Irons 117 Hendrik Herlyn 168 Don Albright 238 Fred Parker () 117 Jamie Simmons 166 Rick Maulding 221Paul Sullivan 114 Don Munson 164 Floyd Schrock 193 Don Munson 112 Alan McGie 162 John Sullivan 171 Tim Shelmerdine 112 Wayne C. Weber 155 Anne Heyerly 171 Walt Yungen 111 Tom Love 145 Roger Robb 167 Jim Carlson 110 Judy Corder 136 Jim Moodie 166 Paul Sherrell 103 Reid Freeman 135 Tom Ewert 163 Barbara Combs 132 Michael Nomina 154 Ulo Kiigemagi Harney 132 Tanya E. Bray 153 David Copeland 291* Jeff Gilligan 124 Daniel Farrar 152 Stephen Dowlan 272 Craig Miller 124 Don DeWitt 145 Reid Freeman 266 Jim Carlson 121 Don Munson 144 Eva Schultz 263 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 144 Roger Robb 258 Paul Sullivan Hood River 140 Norm Barrett 256 Hendrik Herlyn 221* David Anderson 132 Mike Patterson 254 Dave Irons 164 Paul Sullivan 127 Hendrik Herlyn 253 Alan McGie 152 David Copeland 127 Sylvia Maulding 235 Craig Corder 149 Tim Shelmerdine 125 Anne Heyerly 232 Tim Rodenkirk 130 Walt Yungen 123 Craig Miller 232 Ulo Kiigemagi 125 Barbara Combs 120 Jeff Harding 228 Jack Corbett 121 Dave Irons 117 Jamie Simmons 225 Judy Corder 117 Tom Love 114 Jack Corbett 224 Greg Gillson 116 Craig Corder 105 Bill Tice 223 Barbara Combs 103 Ulo Kiigemagi 103 Wayne C. Weber 220 David Copeland 101 Ron Maertz 102 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 220 Rich Hoyer 101 Craig Corder 219 Marilyn Miller Jackson 218 Tim Shelmerdine 289 Marjorie Moore Gilliam 218 Walt Yungen 258 Norm Barrett 203 Craig Corder 217 Alice Parker 223 John Kemper 202 Judy Corder 214 Paul Sherrell 208 Douglas Kirkpatrick 171 Roy Gerig 214 Tom Love 201Paul Sherrell 160 Paul Sullivan 213 Stephen Dowlan 199 Don Munson 151 Marion Corder () 211 Jan Krabbe () 198 Don Schrouder 140 David Copeland 210 Bill Tice 195 Paul Sullivan 136 Tim Shelmerdine 209 Henry Gilmore 173 David Copeland 116 Walt Yungen 204 Mark Nikas 160 Barbara Combs 104 Barbara Combs 203 Roy Gerig 152 Roger Robb 201Fred Zeillemaker 150 Walt Yungen Grant 199 Carol Karlen 149 Jan Krabbe () 211 Paul Sullivan 198 Jamie Simmons 146 Jack Corbett 188 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 197 Jeff Harding 145 Ulo Kiigemagi
Oregon Birds 29(1): 11, Spring 2003 132 Tom Love 203 Ron Maertz 186 Tim Shelmerdine 131 Sylvia Maulding 202 Ulo Kiigemagi 182 Dave Irons 128 Stephen Warner 195 Roger Robb 180 Don Munson 127 Alice Parker 191 Walt Yungen 177 Walt Yungen 125 Dave Irons 189 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 172 Hendrik Herlyn 123 Tim Shelmerdine 188 Alice Parker 172 Tom Love 114 Craig Corder 188 Barbara Combs 169 Marcia F. Cutler 114 Jim Carlson 188 Dave Irons 167 Bill Tice 114 Stuart Sparkman 188 Jan Krabbe () 164 Jack Corbett 111 Henry Gilmore 181 Jack Corbett 161 Henry Gilmore 110 Stephen Dowlan 180 Hendrik Herlyn 160 Barbara Combs 108 Wayne C. Weber 177 Alan McGie 159 Alan McGie 102 Jeff Harding 174 Eva Schultz 158 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 100 Judy Corder 168 Greg Gillson 157 Craig Corder 168 Tim Shelmerdine 156 Judy Corder Jefferson 166 Craig Corder 151 Eva Schultz 245 Lewis Rems 163 Craig Miller 151 Sylvia Maulding 219 Craig Miller 160 Stephen Warner 150 Jan Krabbe () 207 Paul Sullivan 158 Marion Corder () 147 Fred Zeillemaker 177 Roy Gerig 157 Karen Viste-Sparkman 144 Jamie Simmons 168 David Copeland 156 Lewis Rems 143 Stephen Dowlan 168 Marilyn Miller 156 Stuart Sparkman 143 Tom Ewert 157 Floyd Schrock 155 Stephen Dowlan 139 Ron Maertz 148 Chuck Gates 154 Henry Gilmore 138 Karen Viste-Sparkman 145 Walt Yungen 147 John Kemper 134 Reid Freeman 140 Tim Shelmerdine 144 Anne Heyerly 133 Roger Robb 138 Stephen Dowlan 143 Wayne C. Weber 131 Vjera Arnold 128 Dave Irons 140 Jeff Harding 128 Don Albright 119 Tom Love 140 Marcia F. Cutler 128 Jeff Harding 118 Jeff Harding 139 Mike Patterson 119 Wayne C. Weber 112 Barbara Combs 135 Jim Rogers 113 John Kemper 112 Greg Gillson 134 Sylvia Maulding 111 Alice Parker 102 Craig Corder 130 Norm Barrett 110 Stuart Sparkman 130 Tom Ewert Josephine 128 Jamie Simmons Lane 213 Dennis Vroman 128 Tom Love 336 Tom Mickel 201Don Munson 127 Raymond C. Korpi 336 Paul Sherrell 173 Paul Sullivan 122 Mark Nikas 331Jim Carlson 136 Walt Yungen 121 Fred Zeillemaker 314 Alan Contreras 122 Jack Corbett 118 Bill Tice 310 Barbara Combs 122 Tim Shelmerdine 115 Michael Nomina 308 Don DeWitt 115 David Copeland 113 Reid Freeman 305 Clarice Watson 115 Greg Gillson 105 Judy Corder 305 Don Schrouder 111 Wayne C. Weber 101 Tanya E. Bray 293 Dan Heyerly 106 Barbara Combs 293 Reid Freeman 102 Norm Barrett Lake 289 Mark Nikas 100 Craig Miller 279 Craig Miller 289 Roger Robb 246 Marilyn Miller 287 Sylvia Maulding Klamath 246 Roy Gerig 284 Hendrik Herlyn 291* Steve Summers 236 Paul Sullivan 277 Dave Irons 257 Jim Carlson 229 Lewis Rems 275 Eva Schultz 244 Paul Sullivan 226 Jim Carlson 265 Vjera Arnold 227 Paul Sherrell 211 David Copeland 260 Daniel Farrar 210 David Copeland 191 Paul Sherrell 252 Jan Krabbe () 208 Don Munson 191 Ulo Kiigemagi 250 Mike Patterson 208 Don Schrouder 187 Greg Gillson 250 Paul Sullivan
Oregon Birds 29(1): 12, Spring 2003 249 Norm Barrett 219 Jack Corbett 167 Roger Robb 246 Anne Heyerly 213 Jim Carlson 151 Alan McGie 246 Noah Strycker 212 Rich Hoyer 150 Karen Viste-Sparkman 243 Walt Yungen 197 Tom Love 146 Craig Corder 242 John Sullivan 194 Craig Miller 146 Tim Shelmerdine 238 Ulo Kiigemagi 192 Sylvia Maulding 135 Judy Corder 224 Tanya E. Bray 190 Roger Robb 135 Paul Sherrell 222 Rick Maulding 189 Tom Snetsinger 134 Tom Love 217 Tim Shelmerdine 184 Ed McVicker 129 Stuart Sparkman 211 Jack Corbett 183 Mark Nikas 125 Jack Corbett 210 Tim Rodenkirk 183 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 124 Jim Carlson 202 Craig Miller 182 Eva Schultz 123 Bill Tice 200 David Copeland 182 Jeff Harding 116 Reid Freeman 199 Marcia F. Cutler 182 Marcia F. Cutler 112 Tanya E. Bray 195 Ron Maertz 181 Tanya E. Bray 102 Floyd Schrock 193 Alice Parker 178 Don Munson 190 Greg Gillson 177 Carol Karlen Malheur 188 Marilyn Miller 173 Craig Corder 230* John Gatchet 179 Stephen Dowlan 170 John Sullivan 216 Craig Corder 176 Don Munson 169 Karen Viste-Sparkman 212 Paul Sullivan 173 Karen Viste-Sparkman 165 Alan McGie 206 Marion Corder () 172 Tom Snetsinger 158 Stuart Sparkman 190 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 166 Jamie Simmons 154 Reid Freeman 164 Alan Contreras 164 Michael Nomina 145 Paul Sherrell 136 Tim Shelmerdine 161 Jeff Harding 144 Mike Patterson 134 David Copeland 159 Paul Osburn 142 Henry Gilmore 132 Hendrik Herlyn 159 Tom Love 135 Joe Fontaine 129 Jamie Simmons 148 Stuart Sparkman 130 Wayne C. Weber 127 Fred Zeillemaker 146 Bill Tice 129 Fred Zeillemaker 124 Barbara Combs 146 Tom Ewert 124 Don DeWitt 122 Paul Sherrell 137 Floyd Schrock 123 Judy Corder 120 Ulo Kiigemagi 129 Wayne C. Weber 123 Michael Nomina 119 Walt Yungen 128 Craig Corder 121 Ron Maertz 118 Reid Freeman 118 Alan McGie 116 Anne Heyerly 115 Wayne C. Weber 114 Joe Fontaine 116 Tom Ewert 113 Henry Gilmore 109 Henry Gilmore 106 Rick Maulding 111 Judy Corder 102 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 110 Don Munson 100 Jim Rogers Linn 102 Marilyn Miller 231Mark Nikas Lincoln 229 Jeff Harding Marion 263* Rick Krabbe 229 Roy Gerig 265 John Lundsten 256 Floyd Schrock 205 Greg Gillson 256 Stephen Dowlan 253 Jamie Simmons 195 David Copeland 255 Jack Corbett 253 Paul Sullivan 185 Marcia F. Cutler 251David Copeland 252 Jan Krabbe () 181 Hendrik Herlyn 233 Walt Yungen 251Greg Gillson 181 Paul Sullivan 226 Stuart Sparkman 244 Dave Irons 180 Jamie Simmons 225 Karen Viste-Sparkman 241David Copeland 179 Tom Snetsinger 221Paul Sullivan 241Hendrik Herlyn 176 Dave Irons 219 Roy Gerig 238 Roy Gerig 173 Stephen Dowlan 203 Bill Tice 238 Walt Yungen 173 Ulo Kiigemagi 181 Tim Shelmerdine 237 Stephen Dowlan 171 Jan Krabbe () 178 Jeff Harding 228 Bill Tice 171 Sylvia Maulding 175 Floyd Schrock 227 Tim Shelmerdine 170 Barbara Combs 162 Carol Karlen 224 Ulo Kiigemagi 169 Rich Hoyer 149 Barbara Combs 219 Barbara Combs 168 Walt Yungen 146 Greg Gillson
Oregon Birds 29(1): 13, Spring 2003 143 Marcia F. Cutler 117 Barbara Combs Tillamook 143 Sylvia Maulding 106 Judy Corder 279 Dave Irons 140 Roger Robb 106 Marion Corder () 279* Jeff Gilligan 134 Alan McGie 105 Hendrik Herlyn 247 Jan Krabbe () 134 Hendrik Herlyn 105 Karen Viste-Sparkman 237 Tim Shelmerdine 134 Jamie Simmons 233 Paul Sullivan 133 Dave Irons Polk 229 Greg Gillson 126 Tom Love 265 Roy Gerig 227 Roy Gerig 126 Ulo Kiigemagi 265 Bill Tice 227 Walt Yungen 120 Reid Freeman 234 Walt Yungen 225 Tom Love 116 Mike Patterson 226 Jack Corbett 222 David Copeland 112 Craig Corder 221Stephen Dowlan 221Jack Corbett 108 Don Munson 218 David Copeland 221Mike Patterson 106 Tom Ewert 210 Floyd Schrock 208 Bill Tice 102 Judy Corder 200 Karen Viste-Sparkman 208 Stephen Dowlan 188 Carol Karlen 203 Carol Karlen Morrow 188 Paul Sullivan 202 Barbara Combs 238 Craig Corder 172 Stuart Sparkman 199 Ed McVicker 220 Judy Corder 167 Marcia F. Cutler 192 Craig Corder 219 Marion Corder () 163 Tim Shelmerdine 192 Floyd Schrock 210 Paul Sullivan 161 Tom Love 191 Craig Miller 201Jamie Simmons 154 Alan McGie 187 Hendrik Herlyn 163 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 149 Ed McVicker 185 Ulo Kiigemagi 135 David Copeland 147 Hendrik Herlyn 169 Stuart Sparkman 135 Karen Viste-Sparkman 146 Barbara Combs 168 Karen Viste-Sparkman 122 Tim Shelmerdine 146 Rich Hoyer 157 Don Munson 121 Walt Yungen 144 Tanya E. Bray 156 Jeff Harding 108 Barbara Combs 141 Sylvia Maulding 153 Judy Corder 107 Stuart Sparkman 138 Don Albright 147 Jim Carlson 137 Roger Robb 147 Henry Gilmore Multnomah 137 Tom Snetsinger 146 Marion Corder () 244* Jeff Gilligan 136 Dave Irons 140 Alan McGie 232 Tom Love 132 Greg Gillson 139 Wayne C. Weber 228 Iain Tomlinson 131 Jan Krabbe () 136 Jamie Simmons 223 John Fitchen 129 Jamie Simmons 136 Roger Robb 222 Dave Irons 120 Ulo Kiigemagi 134 Alice Parker 215 Paul Osburn 119 Henry Gilmore 134 Tom Ewert 202 Paul Sullivan 118 Jeff Harding 124 Marcia F. Cutler 199 Bob Stites 117 John Sullivan 124 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 195 Tim Shelmerdine 110 Jim Carlson 118 Mark Nikas 193 Ed McVicker 108 Tom Ewert 114 Fred Zeillemaker 188 Michael Nomina 100 Craig Corder 110 Eva Schultz 182 Henry Gilmore 100 Judy Corder 106 Paul Sherrell 180 Pamela Johnston 102 Michael Nomina 171 Tom Ewert Sherman 163 Greg Gillson 201Lewis Rems Umatilla 156 David Copeland 186 Roy Gerig 273 Craig Corder 153 Mike Patterson 175 Paul Sullivan 257 Judy Corder 149 Stephen Dowlan 164 Craig Miller 257 Marion Corder () 148 Walt Yungen 144 David Copeland 256 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 142 Craig Corder 136 Craig Corder 228 Paul Sullivan 127 Raymond C. Korpi 130 Tim Shelmerdine 166 Jan Krabbe () 122 Reid Freeman 129 Walt Yungen 162 Jamie Simmons 121 Jack Corbett 121 Judy Corder 150 Jim Carlson 119 Ulo Kiigemagi 112 Dave Irons 134 David Copeland 118 Wayne C. Weber 100 Barbara Combs 129 Henry Gilmore
Oregon Birds 29(1): 14, Spring 2003 126 Walt Yungen 215 Craig Corder 134 Greg Gillson 124 Tim Shelmerdine 207 Marion Corder () 129 Stephen Dowlan 123 Wayne C. Weber 191 Paul Sullivan 129 Tim Shelmerdine 119 Dave Irons 169 Roy Gerig 128 Jack Corbett 106 Alice Parker 169 Walt Yungen 114 Barbara Combs 106 Barbara Combs 147 Tim Shelmerdine 101 Craig Corder 101 Hendrik Herlyn 138 Judy Corder 101 Judy Corder 128 Jack Corbett Union 116 Barbara Combs 254 Joe Evanich () 116 Henry Gilmore 2002 County Year Lists 215 Paul Sullivan 111 Tom Love Baker 204 Craig Corder 102 Greg Gillson Benton 164 Judy Corder 156 Marcia F. Cutler 164 Marion Corder () Washington Clackamas 157 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 234 Joe Evanich () 176 Elmer Specht 154 David Copeland 222 Greg Gillson Clatsop 154 Walt Yungen 214 Paul Sullivan 239 Mike Patterson 153 Henry Gilmore 201Tom Love 227 Stephen Warner 153 Jan Krabbe () 195 Dave Irons Coos 147 Paul Sherrell 188 Ed McVicker 267 Tim Rodenkirk 143 Barbara Combs 168 David Copeland Crook 141 Tim Shelmerdine 167 Walt Yungen 224 Chuck Gates 132 Ulo Kiigemagi 158 Carol Karlen Curry 131 Wayne C. Weber 156 Tim Shelmerdine Deschutes 130 Hendrik Herlyn 154 Tom Ewert 185 Jim Moodie 130 Jim Carlson 135 Craig Corder Douglas 130 Tom Love 135 Michael Nomina 236 Alice Parker 127 Jim Rogers 132 Henry Gilmore 173 Ron Maertz 117 Jamie Simmons 119 Don Albright Gilliam 109 Karen Viste-Sparkman 109 Barbara Combs Harney 108 Stuart Sparkman 108 Jack Corbett 198 Tim Rodenkirk 103 Dave Irons 101 Mike Patterson 162 Mark Nikas 161 Noah Strycker Wallowa Wheeler 150 John Sullivan 277 Frank Conley 216* Donna Lusthoff Jackson 265 Sue Conley 211 Lewis Rems 243 Norm Barrett 231Paul Sullivan 206 Paul Sullivan Jefferson 212 Craig Corder 201Judy Corder Josephine 211 Judy Corder 201Craig Corder Klamath 171 Merry Lynn & Mike Denny 175 Craig Miller Lake 157 David Copeland 169 David Copeland Lane 153 Marion Corder () 124 Walt Yungen 265 Paul Sherrell 147 Jamie Simmons 113 Tim Shelmerdine 245 Don DeWitt 146 Tim Shelmerdine 103 Barbara Combs 241Noah Strycker 143 Jack Corbett 232 John Sullivan 136 Walt Yungen Yamhill 217 Sylvia Maulding 125 Wayne C. Weber 215 Tom Love 214 Mark Nikas 123 Hendrik Herlyn 208 Floyd Schrock 207 Roger Robb 116 Craig Miller 193 Carol Karlen 188 Vjera Arnold 110 Barbara Combs 192 Roy Gerig Lincoln 104 Henry Gilmore 189 David Copeland 166 Greg Gillson 102 Jim Carlson 173 Walt Yungen 165 John Sullivan 169 Paul Sullivan 164 Jamie Simmons Wasco 166 Don Albright Linn 255* Donna Lusthoff 165 Bill Tice 206 Mark Nikas 219 David Copeland 159 Dave Irons Malheur
Oregon Birds 29(1): 15, Spring 2003 Marion 252 Todd Thornton (2001) 241Phillip Pickering (1986) Morrow Columbia Linn Multnomah 196 Phillip Pickering (1988) 206 Mark Nikas (2002) 225 Iain Tomlinson Coos Malheur 218 John Fitchen 272 Tim Rodenkirk (2000) 224 John Gatchet (1995) 194 Bob Stites Crook Marion 152 Tom Ewert 224 Chuck Gates (2002) 220 John Lundsten (1995) 151 Pamela Johnston Curry Morrow Polk 269 Don Munson (1999) 224 Craig Corder (1990) 210 Roy Gerig Deschutes Multnomah 205 Bill Tice 219 Dean Hale (1998) 225 Iain Tomlinson (2002) 161 Carol Karlen Douglas Polk Sherman 247 Martha Sawyer () (1983) 210 Roy Gerig (2002) Tillamook Gilliam Sherman Union 183 Craig Corder & Judy 181 Phillip Pickering 210 Trent Bray Stevens (1994) (1989)/Lewis Rems (1997) Wallowa Grant Tillamook 219 Frank Conley 185 Paul Sullivan (1988) 219 Sue Conley Harney 234 Phillip Pickering (1985) Wasco 237 Phillip Pickering (1986) Umatilla Washington Hood River 242 Craig Corder & Judy Wheeler 170 David Anderson (1989) Stevens (1992) Yamhill Jackson Union 161 Carol Karlen 243 Norm Barrett (2002) 210 Trent Bray (2002) Jefferson Wallowa 209 Lewis Rems (1992) 219 Frank & Sue Conley (2002) All-Time County Year List Josephine Wasco Records 175 Dick Cronberg (1992) 211 Donna Lusthoff (1992) Baker Klamath Washington 204 Craig Corder (1988) 236 Kevin Spencer (1996) 188 John F. Gatchet (1984) Benton Lake Wheeler 202 Trent Bray (2000) 241 Steve Summers (1991) 196 Craig Corder & Judy Clackamas Lane Stevens (1996) 209 Tim Janzen (1995) 273 Don DeWitt (2000) Yamhill Clatsop Lincoln 172 Floyd Schrock (1998)
Short-billed Dowitcher, 10 August, Prineville, Crook County. Photo/K. Smith
Oregon Birds 29(1): 16, Spring 2003 Brown Creepers Nest in a Manufactured Creeper House Noah Strycker, 35995 E. Wills Rd., Creswell, OR 97426
In an effort to attract nesting Brown Creepers, during the winter of 2000- 2001 I nailed pieces of bark of different sizes and shapes to six Douglas-fir tree trunks in a one-acre section of second- growth forest near my house east of Creswell in Lane County, Oregon. The pieces of bark ranged in size from about six to 12 inches wide and from about 12 to 18 inches in height. I nailed the bark against each tree so that it formed a cup, with the bottom flush against the trunk and with a two-inch opening at the top. All of the creeper houses were at about eye level so that they could be checked without using a ladder. By the next spring, only three or four houses remained after storms had destroyed the rest. I saw no evidence of nesting during the first spring (2001), either in the houses or anywhere else in the vicinity. On 4 June 2002, I discovered a creeper nest with five nestlings in one of the creeper houses. Interestingly, the creepers chose the house in which I had nailed an extra piece of bark over the top to act as a roof. The nest filled the A Brown Creeper adult emerges after feeding the nestlings in a man-made bottom inch or two of the cavity and creeper house. consisted of bits of moss, lichen, fine strips of bark, animal fur, and other soft materials. On 16 June, I showed the nest and nestlings to Alan Contreras and Alex King. A few days later, the nest was empty, after the young had apparently fledged successfully. No other creeper houses were occupied that spring. Brown Creepers are known to nest almost exclusively under loose bark. The success of the creeper house suggests that they will use manufactured housing built to similar specifications as well.
A Brown Creeper adult appears outside the creeper housecarrying a fecal sac.
Oregon Birds 29(1): 17, Spring 2003 Black Phoebe Nesting at Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, Marion County John Lundsten, 2352 Bunker Hill Rd. South, Salem, OR 97306
The first Black Phoebe I saw at the vertical concrete wall of the bridge, away from the nest area and soon saw Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge was hidden by the overhang that provides the bird fly back under the bridge. On on 3 September 2001, a bird that was a walkway along the edge of the 18 July a Black Phoebe was perched flycatching around Frog Pond near bridge. on the vegetation near the bridge, so Pintail Marsh. It was a juvenile, with The next day I looked to see I did not stop. On 22 July I stopped rusty edges on its wing coverts, and if the nest was occupied, and a Black to look, and no bird flushed from the I saw it again in the same area on 5 Phoebe flew off the nest. I moved nest. After a few more visits with no November. The next summer an adult birds seen, it became clear that the was flycatching near the kiosk at Eagle nest was abandoned. Marsh on 21 May. On 11 July I saw In early September I used a one and possibly a second bird ladder to get a closeup view of the flycatching near a small bridge near nest. I could feel 4 eggs in the nest. I Eagle Marsh. I went back on 13 July took one out, and it was a dull white hoping to get some pictures. Within with no markings. Given the white a few minutes I saw there were two droppings on the rim of the nest, I birds in the area, and began thinking suspect a brood was raised earlier in about finding a nest. The first obvious the summer. The bird I saw leaving place to look was under the bridge, the nest may have been laying a which was not easily done as the ditch Black Phoebe nest under a bridge over second clutch, and my presence may Sydney Ditch, Ankeny N.W.R. Photo/J. was full of water. By laying down at Lundsten have been enough for her to give up the waters edge I could see a nest on the re-nesting effort.
Bridge over Sydney Ditch, Ankeny N.W.R., Marion Co. Approximate location of Black Phoebe nest is indicated by the arrow. Photo/J. Lundsten
Oregon Birds 29(1):18, Spring 2003 Site Guide: Siltcoos Estuary Area, Lane County Alan Contreras, 795 E. 29th Ave, Eugene OR 97405 [email protected] In recent years so many interesting Access and Conditions: The access backwater of the river. Most of the birds have been found in coastal Lane road is off Hwy. 101 7 miles south of areas good shorebirds have been at County that a revised site guide for the the Siuslaw River bridge in Florence this pond, and waterfowl use it in small area seems timely. This segment covers or about 15 miles north of Gardiner, numbers. the Siltcoos River. A brief guide to the Douglas Co. The mouth of the river Florence area including the Siltcoos and the pond are usually closed April When the Snowy Plover closure is in has already appeared in OB (Contreras 15-Sep. 15. Trails involve some short effect, access to this area is limited. and Heinl 1985) and the area is covered steep climbs (Waxmyrtle access) and Users must take the Beach trail where by Tom Mickel and Bill Stotz in their soft sand (all access points). Daily use it forks from the River trail. The Beach chapter in Birding the Southern Oregon fee or NW Forest Pass required for trail takes longer to reach the beach, Coast (Cape Arago Audubon Society, parking. Some hunting occurs. but goes through some good passerine 1996) and more briefly by Evanich Moderate turista traffic almost year- areas and provides access to a small (1990). This article is intended to round. ORVs are allowed north of the marsh with shrubby edges that has had provide a more recent map than is river and noise is an occasional Green Heron, Red-shouldered Hawk available in any of those sources, problem. Camping is available right and rails. This marsh is undercovered together with comments on how to visit by the Waxmyrtle trailhead. and could produce something really the major areas and what to expect exciting. Adjacent to the marsh is a there. How to cover the area: The Siltcoos place from which the pond can be mouth is one of the most dynamic viewed without entering the closed This area was rarely birded until the pieces of sand on the Oregon coast, area. early 1980s but in recent years has thus the last 100 yards of the river received fairly steady coverage. The changes its route every year, creating Northern access best birding areas are inaccessible from and changing the area constantly. April 15-September 15 because of Because most of the area is not Although the river mouth can be waded closures for Snowy Plover nesting. significantly affected by tides, it can (it is often less than a foot deep on the However, some areas are still visible. be birded at any tide. In late summer beach), access to its north side is more After Sep. 15 the area is worth constant and early fall when the beach has built convenient by driving to the end of the coverage into winter because it has a up and the river barely empties into Siltcoos Rd. and parking either with good small pond for shorebirds and the ocean, the area is esssentially non- all the turistas in the official lot or in ducks, a gull flock numbering from the tidal and the lower estuary can become the two-car pullout adjacent to the low hundreds to in excess of 2000 stagnant and back up over all muddy north slough access. I use the latter during peak movements, open areas areas. Winter storms generally open for convenience. Note that the whole for pipits and raptors and a wooded the channel but may make the outer northern area of the estuary is closed trail for passerines. beach inaccessible. during Snowy Plover breeding season, though part of the outer beach is open. Species of note: Snowy Plover can There are two basic access points to be found here year-round; easiest to the lower river, via the Waxmyrtle Trail To get to the estuary from the north, see from late September through winter and via the northern slough or beach. walk down into the shallow slough that when the river mouth is open to the leads south from the road and follow public after breeding season. They it to the river, checking both sides of sometimes move north of the estuary Waxmyrtle access the slough. The eastern side is grassier and use flatter areas between the dunes and has Marsh Wrens, pipits and the in winter. Less regular species found To use the Waxmyrtle route, park just like in season, while the west side is here have included Comon Goldeneye, south of the bridge into the Waxmyrtle mainly sand and is occasionally Long-tailed Duck, golden-plovers, Campground and walk west along the rearranged or reoccupied by the river Willet, Ruff, Stilt Sandpiper, Buff- riverbank trail. The trail is about half (as was true in summer, 2002). The breasted Sandpiper, Semipalmated a mile to the river mouth, but it is all west side leads onto the outer beach Sandpiper, Wilsons Phalarope, through good birding area. If the river and provides good access to Snowy Parasitic Jaeger, Yellow Wagtail, Palm is low enough, there will be a small Plovers and the gull flock. If the river Warbler and Smiths Longspur. Band- muddy area partway out the trail. This mouth has cut far enough through the tailed Pigeon is common in late summer area is best seen from above at the high beach to create genuine tidal conditions, and N. Saw-whet Owl has been heard point of the trail and from where the this northern slough is often affected in early May. Red-shouldered Hawk beach trail and the river trail fork. and is better birding at lower tides. was fairly regular in 2002. A good gull Under good conditions shorebirds such flock is often present from September as yellowlegs, dowitchers and various To the north of the two-car pullout is through April. peeps use this area. Always check the a mixed pine-willow stand that is very pond area, whether it is a pond or a good for passerine migrants. It is
Oregon Birds 29(1): 19, Spring 2003 adjacent to a flat grassy area that species of the Oregon coast. The information or commenting on an sometimes has sparrows and pipits. Lagoon Campground has good wet earlier draft. These areas are easy to cover in any and dry habitats and has produced season but can be wet in winter and Black Phoebe and Eastern Kingbird Sources: early spring. in addition to more regular birds. Contreras, A. and S. Heinl. 1985. Wrentit is especially easy to find in Coastal Florence and Siltcoos River In addition to the outer coastal sites, these areas, emerging in response to Mouth, Lane County. Oregon Birds the lower Siltcoos River has several pishing and hooting. 11(4):202. campgrounds with good birding and some small lagoons which have held Special thanks to Bill and Zanah Stotz, Evanich, J. 1990. A Birders Guide American Bittern, Solitary Sandpiper, Bruce Newhouse, Don Munson and to Oregon. Audubon Society of mergansers, rails and other typical Tom Mickel for adding useful Portland.
Oregon Birds 29(1): 20, Spring 2003 2002 Banders Field Season Birds in the Hand
Belted Kingfisher, 9 September, Neawanna Banding Station, Clatsop Co. Photo/M. Patterson
Downy Woodpecker, 30 August, Mikes Meadow, Clackamas Co. This was the first detection of this species at the site (4,000 ft elevation) in six years of banding efforts. Photo/S. Dowlan
Oregon Birds 29(1): 21, Spring 2003 Birds in the Hand 2002 Banders Field Season
Northern Pygmy-Owl, hatch-year, 4 August 2002, Grayback Creek MAPS Station near Cave Junction, Josephine Co. Photo/D. Vroman
Sharp-shinned Hawk, hatch-year, 6 August 2002, Horse Creek Meadows MAPS Station west of Grants Pass, Josephine Co. Photo/D. Vroman
Oregon Birds 29(1): 22, Spring 2003 2002 Banders Field Season Birds in the Hand
Hammonds Flycatcher, 15 August, Mikes Meadow MAPS Station near Estacada, Clackamas Co. Photo/S. Dowlan
Hermit Warbler, hatch-year female 15 August, Mikes Meadow MAPS Station near Estacada, Clackamas Co. Photo/S. Dowlan
Common Yellowthroat, 15 August, Applegate River Monitoring Station near Provolt, Josephine Co. Photo/D. Vroman
Oregon Birds 29(1): 23, Spring 2003 Supplement to Taxonomic Comments on Selected Species of Birds from the Pacific Northwest M. Ralph Browning, 7280 Crowfoot Rd., Trail, Or 97541
Editors Note: The full text of this article appeared in Oregon Birds 28:2. Two tables were inadvertently omitted from the final draft. These tables are included here with the introduction and text from the two associated species accounts. Introduction Conclusions on the taxonomy of many species of bird from the Pacific Northwest vary, and many questions remain unanswered. Lack of adequate specimens (Winker et al. 1991; Browning 1995; Remsen 1995) and insufficient study of existing specimens (Pyle et al. 1997) continue to prevent accurate description of geographic variation and distributions of subspecies. Subspecies are often ignored in publications, either because of lack of interest or knowledge of their importance in taxonomy today. Many authors (=compilers) publishing on subspecies repeat (=copy) older publications or use unreliable sources (e.g., ranges; see Cyanocitta stelleri below; Browning, in press). Modern state books usually do not include information on subspecies even though their research may uncover information that is new since A.O.U. (1957), the last scientifically based publication to cover subspecies of all species of birds from North America north of Mexico. A future edition of the A.O.U. check-list will include subspecies, and much of the basis for such information will be from taxonomic publications and so-called state books. The forthcoming book Birds of Oregon, A General Reference will include subspecies. There is limited space in the book for explanations for recognition of some subspecies that are either not widely recognized (e.g., not by A.O.U. 1957), have convoluted taxonomic histories that deserve fuller explanations, or have ranges that differ from most published sources. Explanations for the following species' taxonomies require more space than is available in the forthcoming book. Abbreviations of museums holding specimens are listed in the acknowledgments.
Cepphus columba adianta in tarsus and bill but near measurements are not completely eureka in wing length. Storer's comparable. Nonetheless, I found Pigeon Guillemot. Two subspecies (1952) data reveal considerable (Table 1) that measurements of wing (adianta and eureka), described by overlap between geographic samples, chord and exposed culmen of Storer (1950) for North America with similar means for wing length specimens representing adianta, populations, were not recognized by of specimens from Oregon and eureka and nominate columba are A.O.U. (1957), but were recognized California (=eureka) and Siberia statistically not significantly different by Udvardy (1963) and Ewins (=nominate columba). Ewins (1993) at the 5% level, and I follow A.O.U. (1993). Storer (1950, 1952) reported data, based heavily on Storer (1952) (1957) in synonymizing eureka and that adianta, eureka and nominate unfortunately combined adianta with nominate columba. columba were separable on the basis measurements made by others; it is Oregon specimens are referred to size, and that Oregon specimens are a well known fact among nominate columba, the mainland intermediate between eureka and ornithologists that such North American subspecies.
Table 1. Wing chord and exposed culmen of three possible subspecies of Cepphus columba. ______Wing chord Exposed culmen ______"subspecies" n range mean+SD n range mean+SD ______columba 15 178-188 182.4+2.89 15 30.0-33.5 31.46+1.12
adianta 30 171-187 179.0+5.02 30 30.1-36.5 33.06+1.57 eureka 37 176-191 180.7+4.67 36 31.4-35.7 33.65+1.21 ______
Oregon Birds 29(1): 24, Spring 2003 Cyanocitta stelleri followed Phillips (1986) but failed to color is paler, grayer and bluer (slight Steller's Jay. There is some list paralia. bluish wash) in birds from western controversy concerning the subspecies In a recent review of C. Washington to Humboldt Bay, of C. stelleri in western Oregon. stelleri Wiebe (1995) recognized California, than in specimens from Gabrielson and Jewett (1940; see their paralia, and characterized the most localities from British Columbia, Figure 12) recognized three subspecies subspecies as smaller than all interior southern Oregon and northern of C. stelleri in Oregon: annectens subspecies in tarsus and culmen length, California. The interior specimens occurring in the northeast, frontalis as similar in color but with a shorter and those from central coastal from the Cascades from near Bend wing than annectens, and with a paler California usually have a more purely southwest to southern Josephine blue breast than stelleri. Specimens grayish back. Breast and rump color County and southeast to the Warner from south of Seattle were apparently of western Oregon birds is slightly Mountains, and carbonacea from the not compared. paler blue than birds from British coast to the eastern slope of Cascades I compared over 600 adult Columbia and is darker than specimens south to near Bend and west of the specimens from Alaska to California, from the Siskiyou Mountains. A white Cascades. Idaho, Nevada, Montana, and Oberholser (1932) had earlier Wyoming for variation in plumage. superciliary mark is found in most proposed the name paralia as a Fewer specimens were compared for specimens of annectens. subspecies from the southwestern variation in size. Mensural data for Preliminary results support mainland of British Columbia to wing chord, length of tarsus and crest recognition of paralia. The subspecies western Washington and Oregon. He only are compared in this study. Crest is on the average smaller than characterized paralia as similar to length was measured following nominate stelleri, frontalis, and nominate stelleri but smaller, paler, Browning (1993). Preliminary annectens, and larger than carbonacea and more greenish blue above and analysis revealed small differences in (Table 1). In color, paralia differs below, with the back "more washed size between populations and from nominate stelleri by its paler blue with bluish," and larger and darker subspecies (e.g. Table 1), and is belly and grayer (less black) back, backed than carbonacea. consistent with results reported by differs from annectens by lacking the Stevenson (1934) concluded Brown (1963) and Weibe (1995). superciliary, and differs from frontalis that paralia was intermediate between Some differences (Table 1) may be by having less white on the throat and nominate stelleri and frontalis. Miller statistically significant, but the amount more bluish wash on the back. (1941:261), in reference to frontalis, of overlap in ranges and differences Cyanocitta s. paralia breeds from referred to birds as 'toward the darker in means of characters is surely southwestern coastal British Columbia paralia of coastal Oregon," but insignificant biologically. (Wiebe 1995) to the Cascades, and Grinnell and Miller (1944) declined Means of wing chord and west to the coast of western to recognize paralia. Aldrich (in crest length of coastal samples are less Washington, western Oregon, and Jewett et al. 1953) recognized paralia than means for Alaska and interior northwestern California (Humboldt as breeding in western Washington. samples. Although the means for County ?). Intergrades with stelleri The range of paralia was length of tarsus of specimens from in southern British Columbia (Weibe included, without providing reasons, south of Alaska (=stelleri) are shorter, 1995). Intergrades with annectens in nominate stelleri by A.O.U. 1957); these small differences appear slightly east of the northern Cascades in Blake and Vaurie (1962) and Goodwin clinal from north to south, and are not Washington (Aldrich in Jewett et al. (1986), with stelleri in Oregon useful subspecific characters. Color 1953). Cyanocitta s. paralia breeding in the northwest from and pattern evaluations were subjective Columbia County to Hood River, and is a method that has proven intergrades with frontalis in upper Corvallis, and Depoe Bay, and frontalis successful in many taxonomic studies Rogue River Valley region, and to occur from "central Oregon" (=west (Browning 1994). Results from the intergradation with carbonacea and/or of the Cascades south of Depoe Bay human eye are superior for recognizing frontalis is suspected in Humboldt ?). subtle differences and similarities in County, California. In Oregon, I (Browning 1979) recognized color than most results from a frontalis breeds in the Cascades from paralia but did not discuss subspecific spectrophotometer (see Winker 1997). near Bend to Klamath Co., Warner characters. Phillips (1986:43) The amount of white on the Mountains in Lake Co. and the Upper characterized paralia as "a bit paler" throats of specimens from western Rogue River Valley; annectens breeds than nominate stelleri, and stated that Oregon to Del Norte County, in the Blue, Wallowa and Ochoco frontalis was from "across much of S California, is less noticeable than with Mountains, and intergrades with Oregon" and paralia was from SW specimens from the Siskiyou paralia on the east slope of the British Columbia to "SW Oregon." Mountains to the southern Cascades, Cascades from near Mt. Hood to Greene et al. (1998) stated that they east to Lake County, Oregon. Back Sisters. More study is required.
Oregon Birds 29(1): 25, Spring 2003 . Cyanocitta stelleri Cyanocitta A.O.U. 1957). sensu , carbonacea Wing chordWing Tarsus Crest Length
1221 149.2+4.34 142.3-154.7 150.09+4.79 141.9-159.9 9 19 42.34+1.21 42.57+1.78 40.2-44.1 39.1-47.7 15 14 65.2-71.6 67.03+2.81 62.3-70.6 65.31+3.12 --E Washington, NE OR, N Idaho, W Montana and NW Wyoming. Montana and NW W NE OR, N Idaho, Washington, --E --interior N CA, Nevada. Table 1. Measurements of wing chord, tarsus and crest length of adult male of wing chord, tarsus and crest 1. Measurements Table frontalis annectens ______coastal --specimens from west of western slope Cascades, excluding Puget Sound localities. WA, 1 OR, coastal--west of western slope Cascdes. CA, N coast--Coast Range from Del Norte County to central Humboldt County. CA, cent. coast--Marin to Monterey counties (range of 1 Sample ______Alaska nPuget Sound mean+SD 13 21 coastalWA, 15 range 148.1+2.00OR, coastal 149.64+3.52 145.2155.9 144,95+3.63 20 n 145.3-151.7CA, N coast 137.8-151.8 13 26 14 146.28+3.54CA, cent. coast 17 mean+SD range 14 139.2-150.8 42.19+0.86 44.34+1.48 142.93+3.67frontalis 140.07+4.34 42.19+1.61 19 136.3-148.2 41.1-44.3 41.846.6annectens 135.1-149.2 39.2-43.7 15 41.71+1.15 18 n 39.8-43.6 40.13+1.88 41.03+0.91 range 37.1-44.5 12 mean+SD 13 38.5-42.6 16 63.8-70.2 66.73+1.72 61.0-68.7 64.86+2.55 56.7-68.8 63.44+3.32 15 14 57.5-69.9 63.67+3.11 12 52.3-68.0 60.54+4.48 54.6-64.0 61.35+2.56
Oregon Birds 29(1): 26, Spring 2003 Vagrancy of Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius) from Washington to Baja California, with notes on identification of juveniles Steven G. Mlodinow, 4819 Gardner Ave., Everett WA 98203 [email protected]
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker breeds from Santa Barbara County, all 3 Sapsuckers per fall and 12 per winter from extreme east-central Alaska south October to 10 February, again with a in California (see table 3). Almost through northeastern British Columbia concentration in November and twice as many were reported from to southern Alberta and east to southern December. Hamilton and Willick southern California as were reported Labrador and southern New York, with (1996) showed seven records from from central and northern California. local breeding populations in the Orange County, widely scattered The vast majority of central and Appalachians south to Tennessee and between 8 November and 17 March. northern California records were North Carolina. The main wintering A review of North American coastal or near-coastal, whereas range is from southern New England Birds/ Field Notes covering fall 1992 southern California records were more west to northern Missouri and south through winter 2001-2 reveals an evenly distributed between coastal and through Texas and the U.S. Gulf Coast average of about 14 Yellow-bellied interior locations. California had few to much of the Caribbean and in Central America, to Panama. During winter, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are Table 1: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Records from Washington rare west of Texas and Coahuila. The vagrancy patterns of this species have Ellensburg, Kittitas, 16 Dec 1989-18 Feb 1990 (Tweit and Paulson only become well-known since 1985, 1994) when the A.O.U. split this species Pe Ell, Lewis, 24-28 Feb 1997 (Aanerud and Mattocks 2000) from its sister species, the Red-naped Sacagawea State Park, Franklin, 1 Oct 1999 (North American Birds Sapsucker (S. nuchalis) and the Red- 54:97) breasted Sapsucker (S. ruber). Kent, King, 30 Dec 2001-5 Jan 2002 (North American Birds 56:216) Washington and Oregon italics= county Through September 2002, there have All records from Washington Bird Records Committee files or North been 19 Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers American Birds. recorded in Washington and Oregon (see tables 1 and 2). Four of these are from Washington, and 15 are from Oregon. Most are from October through February, but four have been Table 2: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Records from Oregon. found in Oregon during July and one during early September. Records are *2, Scoggins Valley Park, Washington, 9 Jul 1976 fairly well split between eastern and *LaGrande, Union, 11 Jul 1980 western portions of both states. *near Gilchrist, Klamath, 5 Jul 1983 Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney, 4 Oct 1987 California (Oregon Birds 14:200) As with many species that are *Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney, 14 Oct 1990 primarily of eastern North American *Brookings, Curry, 25 Feb 1991 distribution, California has recorded *Silver Lake, Lake, 6 Oct 1991 far more Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers *Salem, Marion, 22 Feb 1995 than Oregon and Washington. Small near Fern Ridge Reservoir, Lane,1 Jan 1997 (1994) considered Yellow-bellied (Oregon Birds 23:111) Sapsuckers rare-but-regular in *Stukel Mountain, Klamath, 4 Jan 1997 California from early October to late *Gold Beach, Curry, 20 Dec 1998 March, with most records being of *Bay City, Tillamook, 16 Dec 2001 immatures. Harris (1996) noted twenty Adrian, Malheur, 17 Feb 2002 records from northwestern California Long Creek, Grant, 8 Sep 2002 (Del Norte, Trinity, and Humboldt Counties plus northern Mendocino *=reviewed and accepted by the Oregon Bird Records County and western Siskiyou County), Committee (H. Nehls, pers. comm.) all from 10 October to 29 March, and italics= county mostly from November and December. Lehman (1994) listed twenty records
Oregon Birds 29(1): 27, Spring 2003 spring reports, averaging about one from the Baja California Peninsula, but regular vagrants to Pacific Coast per year and none after March, and all from the northern third, mostly states from Washington to northern no summer reports. Only two records immatures, and all 18 October to 3 Baja California. Records are most fell outside the October to March March. Half of these records are from numerous from California, timeframe, both from late September. October. particularly southern California, and are overall split somewhat evenly Baja California Vagrancy: Summary and between coastal and interior Erickson et al. (2001) listed 10 Discussion locations, excepting in central and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker records Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are rare northern California. Almost all records were noted from October through March, with a likely peak during November and December. Table 3: Occurrence in California from North Records of juveniles/immatures American Birds/ Field Notes predominate. How much of the above Season N/C CA So CA pattern is affected by observer winter 2001-2 8 1 effort/density is unclear. Birding 5 8 effort in the Oregon and southern fall 2001 California oases seems to be spring 2001 0 3 considerably greater than that in winter 2000-1 3 12 central and northern California, where desert hot spots are far less fall 2000 1 11 well known. This may explain the spring 2000 1 0 relatively low number of records from eastern portions of central and winter 1999-2000 7 12 northern California. It seems likely fall 1999 3 9 that there is not a large coastal effect in actual occurrence. The relative spring 1999 1 0 frequency of records from each winter 1998-9 1 12 region discussed above is also likely, in part, due to birder density. For fall 1998 4 ? instance, during the Winter Season spring 1998 0 0 issue of North American Birds for 4 6 2001-2 (Vol. 56, no. 2), 128 observers winter 1997-8 were listed for southern California, fall 1997 3 ? 95 for northern/central California, spring 1997 2 0 64 for Oregon/Washington, and 35 for Baja California. Though these winter 1996-7 5 8 observer numbers may not be the fall 1996 7 10 most accurate estimation of field effort, they are probably a fair rough spring 1996 0 0 estimate. Seasonal distribution may winter 1995-6 ? 8 also be affected by observer effort. Typically, birds found during fall and fall 1995 10 12 winter lose their allurer over time, spring 1995 3 0 and as spring migration begins, winter 1994-5 5 3 observers might not track or report overwintering birds, potentially fall 1994 5 9 leading to a relative under spring 1994 ? 0 representation of the number present during spring. Nonetheless, it seems winter 1993-4 ? 6 likely that most overwintering birds fall 1993 6 8 are gone after March and that there is some drop off in numbers even as spring 1993 0 0 early as January. winter 1992-3 9 4 Identification of Juveniles fall 1992 0 13 As noted above, most identified vagrant Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are juveniles. Red-naped Sapsuckers
Oregon Birds 29(1): 28, Spring 2003 have mostly completed their first pre- basic molt by sometime in October and typically do so on their breeding Table 4: Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Records from Baja grounds, whereas Yellow-bellied California Sapsuckers typically dont complete their first pre-basic molt until they Rancho San Jose, 4 Feb 1984 (Bowers 1987) reach their wintering grounds, Mikes Sky Ranch, 24 Oct 1989 (Ruiz-C., et al. 2001) retaining some juvenile plumage until Campo Mosqueda, 29 Dec 1991-11 Jan 1992 (Patten et al. 1993). January or even March (Kaufman Maneadero Plain, 23 Oct 1994 (Erickson et al. 2001) 1990, Pyle 1997). This fact has been Maneadero Plain, 9 Jan-3 Mar 1995 (Erickson et al. 2001) used to suggest that presence of Catavina, 18 Oct 1995 (Erickson et al. 2001) juvenile plumage after September or La Mision, 25 Oct 1995 (Erickson et al. 2001) October is a useful field mark (e.g., Tijuana, 25 Oct 1995 (Erickson et al. 2001) Kaufman 1990). However, sapsucker Rancho San Jose, 3 Dec 1995 (Erickson et al. 2001) identification remains problematic Rancho San Jose, 31 Jan 1999 (Erickson et al. 2001) with juvenile birds when seen before November, especially within or near all records were obtained from Erickson and Howell (2001). the breeding range of Red-naped Sapsucker. The possibility of Red- naped X Yellow-bellied Sapsucker hybrids, which have an intermediate molt schedule, further complicates the there is much overlap here. More Conclusion issue (Pyle 1997). interestingly, on juvenile Yellow- The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a rare This topic was brought near bellieds the pale bars of the upper back vagrant from Washington to northern and dear to my heart when I saw a tend to be more golden, whereas the Baja California. This species seems juvenile sapsucker, looking to be a pale bars are whiter juvenile Red- as likely to occur at interior areas as typical Yellow-bellied, at Long Creek, napeds. Both species show white bars coastal areas within this region. The Grant County, Oregon, on 8 September on the lower back. Though there is preponderance of records are from 2002. Sibley (2000) seemed to do a some overlap, on many birds the California, especially southern fairly good job depicting juvenile difference on the upper back is California, but this may be partly due sapsuckers but had little commentary pronounced. Both juvenile sapsuckers to an observer effort/density effect. in the text, and other standard field show chests that are scalloped dusky The vast majority of records have been guides were somewhat lacking on this and pale, but in Yellow-bellieds the from October through March, though issue. Furthermore, there was the issue pale areas tend to be paler and buffier three anomalous records involving of hybrids, so I wanted to be as clear when compared with the grayer pale four birds exist from Oregon during as possible on the differences between scalloping of Red-napeds. July. Peak time seems to be November the juvenile plumages of these two Finally, a word of caution and December, though again observer taxa. Pursuing this topic, I went to the regarding molt times. At the Burke effects may play a role. University of Washingtons Burke Museum there is a juvenile Yellow- Most records are of juveniles, Museum. I found that Sibleys bellied Sapsucker specimen (UWBM drawings demonstrated the differences #41290) that already shows the black and the timing of juvenile molt has between juvenile Yellow-bellied and bar across the chest (usually doesnt been suggested as a field mark. Though Red-naped Sapsuckers fairly well, but appear until December), and the rest the timing of molt in a given bird is that these differences were even more of the throat border was fairly blackish useful, there may be exceptional birds pronounced than shown. with relatively little mottling. The with odd molt times, and the possibility More specifically, on juvenile crown was still mottled buff and red of a hybrid needs to be considered. Yellow-bellieds, the crown, transocular throughout, and the throat was mottled Sibley (2000) does a fairly good job stripe, and malar stripes are all heavily red and buff-yellow througout. The of depicting the differences between mottled in buff yellow (butter color). belly was already fairly bright yellow. juvenile Red-naped and Yellow-bellied In juvenile Red-napeds, these areas This bird was collected on 11 October Sapsuckers, though these differences are solid blackish brown (excepting 1982 and was in quite advanced molt are even more pronounced. In crown which often has red mixed in), for a pure Yellow-bellied, but as it was particular, juvenile Yellow-bellieds with little or not buff or whitish collected in Maryland, and showed no show heavy buffy mottling in the dark mottling. Additionally, juvenile plumage characteristics of a Red- areas of the head and chest, causing Yellow-bellieds have a back that is naped, I think the likelihood of it being juvenile Red-napeds to look far darker more broadly barred dark and light a hybrid is quite low. and duller in these areas. than that of a juvenile Red-naped, but
Oregon Birds 29(1): 29, Spring 2003 Literature Cited Aanerud, K.R., and P.W. Mattocks, Hamilton, R.A., and D.R. Birds of the Baja California Jr. 2000. Fourth report of the Willick.1996. The Birds of Orange Peninsula, eds. R.A. Erickson and Washington Bird Records County, California. Sea and Sage S.N.G. Howell. American Birding Committee. Washington Birds 7:7- Audubon Society, Irvine, California. Association Monographs in Field 24. Ornithology, no. 3. Harris, S.W. 1996. Northwestern American Ornithologists Union. California Birds, 2nd ed. Humboldt Sibley, D.A. 2000. The Sibley Guide 1985. Thirty-fifth supplement to the State University Press, Arcata, to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., New American Ornithologists Union California. York, New York. Checklist of North American Birds. Auk 102. Kaufman, K. 1990. A Field Guide to Small, A. 1994. California Birds: Advanced Birding. Houghton Mifflin their status and distribution. Ibis Bowers, R. 1987. News and notes. Co., Boston, Massachusetts. Publishing Co., Vista, California. Mexican Birding Association Bull Board 1(3):6-7. Lehman, P.E. 1994. The Birds of Tweit, B., and D.R. Paulson. 1994. Santa Barbara County, California. First report of the Washington Bird Erickson, R.A., R.A. Hamilton, and Vertebrate Museum, University of Records Committee. Washington S.N.G. Howell. 2001. New California at Santa Barbara, Santa information on migrant birds in Barbara, California. Birds 3:11-41. northern and central portions of the Baja California Peninsula, including Patten, M.A., K. Radamaker, and Acknowledgments species new to Mexico. In:Birds of T.E. Wurster. 1993. Noteworthy Many thanks are due to Alan the Baja California Peninsula, eds. observations from northeastern Baja Contreras and Bill Tweit for R.A. Erickson and S.N.G. Howell. California. Western Birds 24:89-93. reviewing this manuscript and American Birding Association offering useful advice. They are also Monographs in Field Ornithology, Pyle, P. 1997. Identification Guide to be thanked for their stimulating no. 3. to North American Birds, part 1. Slate discussions of vagrancy in eastern Creek Press, Bolinas, California. Oregon and Washington, which in Erickson, R.A., and S.N.G. Howell, turn led to the trip that led to the eds. 2001. Birds of the Baja Ruiz, C., G., S. Gonzalez-G., R.A. Long Creek Yellow-bellied California Peninsula. American Erickson, and R.A. Hamilton. 2001. Sapsucker. Also, thanks to Harry Birding Association Monographs in Notable bird specimen records from Nehls for providing much useful Field Ornithology, no. 3. the Baja California Peninsula. In: information on Oregon reports.
Poetry Submissions for Oregon Birds From time to time Oregon Birds ends up with odd chunks of space that are hard to fill. With that in mind, OB has decided to accept submissions of poetry to fill such spaces. Submissions should relate to birds or the natural world, not exceed 40 lines and be suitable for the broad audience that OB reaches. OB will not pay for submissions but you'll get some exposure for your work. Owing to the expected volume of submissions, we will only acknowledge the poems that are accepted for possible use. Whether a poem is used will be at the discretion of the editor depending on available space. We expect that one or two poems will be used in most issues of OB. Submissions should be sent to: Alan Contreras 795 E 29th Ave, Eugene OR 97405 [email protected] Do NOT send submissions directly to Oregon Birds or the editor.
Oregon Birds 29(1): 30, Spring 2003 Albinistic Male Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena) Discovered along the Walla Walla River, Umatilla Co., Oregon Mike Denny 323 Scenic View Dr. College Place, WA 99324 [email protected]
On 5 May 2002 Dr. and Mrs. Dwight Smith discovered an almost pure white bird visiting the bird feeders in their small, well planted front yard just north of the Walla Walla River. This bird required closer scrutiny as did the event unfolding around their feeders. Packed into this small area were well over 55 Lazuli Buntings with 95% being male birds. It soon became obvious to Dr. Smith that this was very unusual happening for his location in northern Umatilla County. He quickly took a number of digital photos of the white bird and the large number of normal Lazuli Buntings covering his yard. Dwight called me on 6 May and told me he was sure that he was looking at a mostly albino Lazuli Bunting and that in his many years of birding he had never seen a bird like this. He then wanted to know if we would like to come down and take a look at this amazing bird and all the other buntings milling about in his yard. I was first able to get down to the Smith home on the 8th where I was greeted by a very hospitable Dr. Smith and his wife, plus dozens and dozens of bright blue and rust male buntings all over the bushes, trees and yard. A few moments after my arrival the white bunting appeared and what an impression it made on the group of birders present. What I saw was an adult male Lazuli Bunting with gray upper and lower mandibles, dark eyes and mostly powder blue ear coverts with some powder blue feathers across the nape and at the base of the mandibles. The secondary coverts displayed a little darker blue as Albinistic male Lazuli Bunting, 5-9 May 2002, along did the leading edge of the primaries. The feet and legs were dark. the Walla Walla River, Umatilla Co. Photo/D. Smith There was a hint of powder blue lightly sprinkled across the back and just a hint of light blue down the throat and onto the upper chest. The only rust wash I observed was between the secondary coverts and the primaries. The rest of the plumage was an ivory white. This bird behaved as the rest of the feeding, perching, preening, squabbling buntings did. After an hour or so I headed home. This concentration of Lazuli Buntings remained in the Smith yard through 9 May 2002.
Sage Sparrow Singing A Diamond Hard Morning The Radiant Sun Maitreya
Oregon Birds 29(1): 31, Spring 2003 Site Guide: Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside, Josephine County Dennis P. Vroman, 269 Shetland Drive, Grants Pass, OR 97526 [email protected]
bedrock; soil derived from serpentine supports unique vegetation. Unusual plants include Cook's Lomatium (Lomatium cookii), Howell's Mariposa (Calochortus howellii), Howell's Microseris (Microseris howellii) and Siskiyou Butterweed (Senecio hesperius). The floodplain has sparse trees and patchy brush. Scattered Jeffrey pine (Pinus jeffreyi) occupy the flat with some incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens). Shrubs include white-leaf manzanita (Arctostaphlos viscida), buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus), birch-leaf mountain-mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides), poison oak Rough and Ready Creek - looking east downstream from the irrigation dam. Photo/D. (Toxicodendron diversilobum), Vroman rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus sp.) and silk tassel (Garrya sp.). Openings are Rough and Ready Botanical road at the Illinois Valley Visitor lightly touched with grasses and forbs. Wayside, also known as Rough and Center in Cave Junction, located a Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga Ready Area of Critical Environmental short distance out the Caves Highway. menziesii), Port Orford cedar Concern (Bureau of Land (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), sugar Management), is a convenient stop Getting There pine (Pinus lambertiana), knobcone for bird watchers traveling U.S. The Wayside is adjacent to pine (Pinus attenenuata), Pacific Highway 199 in southwest Josephine U.S. Highway 199, 4.8 miles south of madrone (Arbutus menziesii), County. Located about 2 miles Cave Junction and the junction of 199 California black oak (Quercus northeast of OBrien, it is best known and Caves Highway. Parking is kelloggii) and a shrubby form of for unusual plants, but numerous bird available on the west side of the Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana), species are here as well. In spring, the highway near the southern end of the sometimes called Brewers oak, all floral show alone is well worth the four-lane section of road. It is just past inhabit areas with increased soil and visit. The Rough and Ready Creek the Rough and Ready Lumber Mill moisture. Mixed conifer-hardwood floodplain is mainly rocks and cobbles and just before the bridge over Rough forest favors slopes with increased with sparse soil and vegetation. It and Ready Creek. available moisture. Snags are present ranges in elevation from 1380 feet and spike-topped trees are prevalent. (420 meters) to 1440 feet (439 meters) Vegetation and is easy walking. A Bureau of Land Rough and Ready Creek Where to Look Management (BLM) road extending flows but for the driest time of the South of the parking area is a west from the parking area is closed year. Its riparian zone is thinly small stand of trees divided by to unauthorized vehicle traffic, but vegetated with some willows (Salix Highway 199. With its thick brush open to hikers. Those unable to walk spp.) and a few alder (Alnus sp.). under story this area is a good starting can obtain a gate key to access the Surrounding mountains are serpentine point. Often, birds are more numerous along Rough and Ready Creek itself. Additional information can be found at the following BLM Walking the gated road west will lead web page: to a utility http://www.or.blm.gov/medford/recreationsites/Medroughrea line where buckbrush (Ceanothus sp.) dybot.html habitat is abundant. Farther west lies an irrigation ditch with water and some willows located near where the road
Oregon Birds 29(1):32, Spring 2003 approaches it. Parallel to the ditch a found during 11visits; 6 in spring, 1 American Kestrel, Merlin, Mourning dirt road leads southwest to Rough in summer, 2 each in fall and winter Dove, several Woodpecker species, and Ready Creek and a dam. A nice (see bird list). It is likely additional Mountain Quail, Western Wood- stringer of trees follows the irrigation species can be added with more visits. Pewee, Western Kingbird, Huttons ditch, with good brush habitat Birds of interest include Olive-sided Vireo, Black-capped Chickadee northward. A small, mixed conifer- Flycatcher (low elevation for this (especially non-breeding), Bushtit, hardwood forest, with fair-sized trees, species), Lark Sparrow, Black Phoebe Lark Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, is near the dam. and California Towhee. Breeding was Lazuli Bunting, Western Bluebird, Oregon Department of confirmed for American Kestrel, House Finch, Lesser Goldfinch and Transportation lands are located Western Bluebird, Chipping Sparrow, American Goldfinch. directly east of 199 with different Lark Sparrow and Lazuli Bunting. Areas of forest were inhabited habitats to explore. Opposite the Breeding is probable for Acorn by Band-tailed Pigeon, Olive-sided parking area is a wide gravel flat. Woodpecker, Annas Hummingbird, Flycatcher (occasionally), Cassins Rough and Ready Creek floodplain is Cassins Vireo, Bushtit, White- Vireo, Varied Thrush, American to the south with semi-open habitat breasted Nuthatch, Bewicks Wren, Robin, Orange-crowned Warbler, and a good amount of birch-leaf American Robin, Wrentit, European Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black- mountain-mahogany. Late summer, Starling, Yellow-rumped Warbler, throated Gray Warbler, Nashville Rough and Ready Creek is often Dark-eyed Junco, Western Tanager, Warbler, Western Tanager, Black- completely dry east of 199, but Spotted Towhee, California Towhee, headed Grosbeak and Pine Siskin. generally there are small ponds of House Finch and Lesser Goldfinch. Look for Acorn Woodpeckers in the water near the 199 bridge. Habitat on Riparian associates include a snags near the parking area. the bench north of the floodplain is few waterfowl species, Spotted Summer birding is best mixed conifer forest (Douglas-fir and Sandpiper, Annas Hummingbird, accomplished between sunrise to about pines) with good amounts of brush; a Belted Kingfisher, Black Phoebe, 10:00 am. On hot days bird activity dirt road runs eastward through the Cedar Waxwing and Song Sparrow. comes to a standstill. In winter (non- forest. A gravel extraction pit is located Birds favoring brushy areas breeding season) mixed-species flocks to the northeast. Following the dirt are Rufous Hummingbird, Bewicks move about in areas where trees are road going northeast will lead to it Wren, Wrentit, Spotted Towhee, the thickest, as along the irrigation (take the dirt road leading east to the California Towhee, and sparrow ditch. Chickadees, Nuthatches, pit). During the winter the pit usually species in winter. Kinglets, Bushtits, and Huttons Vireo contains water. The largest portion of the with an occasional Woodpecker can species found prefer the semi-open be observed when a winter-time flock The Birds areas of mixed trees and brush. is located. A total of 75 species were Observed in such habitat were
Rough and Ready Creek flat west of Highway 199, looking northward from the BLM dirt road. Photo/D. Vroman
Oregon Birds 29(1): 33, Spring 2003 Rough & Ready Area of Critical Environmental t r Concern o p r Road i
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Oregon Birds 29(1): 34, Spring 2003 Birds of Rough and Ready Wayside Season Season Species Spr Sum Fall Win Species Spr Sum Fall Win Great Blue Heron x Northern Rough-winged Swallow x Turkey Vulture x x Black-capped Chickadee x x x x Canada Goose x x Bushtit x x x x Mallard x Red-breasted Nuthatch x x Bufflehead x White-breasted Nuthatch x x x x Common Merganser x Bewick's Wren x x x x Sharp-shinned Hawk x x Golden-crowned Kinglet x x Cooper's Hawk x Ruby-crowned Kinglet x x American Kestrel x x Hermit Thrush x x x Merlin x Western Bluebird x x x x California Quail x American Robin x x x x Mountain Quail x Varied Thrush x x Killdeer x x x Wrentit x x x x Spotted Sandpiper x European Starling x x x x Band-tailed Pigeon x Cedar Waxwing x Mourning Dove x x Orange-crowned Warbler x Common Nighthawk x Nashville Warbler x x Annas Hummingbird x Yellow-rumped Warbler x x x Rufous Hummingbird x Black-throated Gray Warbler x Belted Kingfisher x x x Western Tanager x x Acorn Woodpecker x x x x Spotted Towhee x x x x Downy Woodpecker x California Towhee x x x x Hairy Woodpecker x Chipping Sparrow x x Northern Flicker x x x Lark Sparrow x Pileated Woodpecker x x x x Fox Sparrow x x Olive-sided Woodpecker x Song Sparrow x x Western Wood-Pewee x x Golden-crowned Sparrow x x x Black Phoebe x x White-crowned Sparrow x Ash-throated Flycatcher x x Dark-eyed Junco x x x x Western Kingbird x x Black-headed Grosbeak x Cassin's Vireo x Lazuli Bunting x x Hutton's Vireo x x x Western Meadowlark x Steller's Jay x x x x Brown-headed Cowbird x x Western Scrub-Jay x x x x House Finch x x x x American Crow x x x x Pine Siskin x Common Raven x x x x Lesser Goldfinch x x Tree Swallow x American Goldfinch x x Violet-green Swallow x x
Spring (Spr) March to May, Summer (Sum) June to August, Fall (Fall) September to November, Winter (Win) December to February
Oregon Birds 29(1): 35, Spring 2003 SHORT NOTES
Frog Legs Anyone? A Belted Storm. 1993. Amphibians of crow but chose to eat it while hiding Kingfisher Devours a Red-legged Washington and Oregon. Seattle in the trees. Frog Audubon Society, Seattle, Washington. Dennis P. Vroman, 269 Shetland Drive, Red-tailed Hawk not Fan of Grants Pass, OR 97526 Red-Tailed Hawk Takes Crow Shakespeare [email protected] Linton J Whittles, Sandlake Rd., Lee Cain, 35269 Lyngstad Heights, Cloverdale, OR 97112 Astoria, OR 97103 [email protected] Belted Kingfishers are known to eat frogs (Bent 1940, Kaufman 1996), but On 24 September 2002 at around Astoria High School is a semi-urban it may not often be witnessed. On a 9AM, I was getting ready to scan the campus on the edge of Young's Bay. rainy 28 December 2002, just south Sandlake Estuary through the spotting A pair of Red Tailed Hawks make the of Coquille, Oregon, Tom Love and I scope that I keep set up in my living campus part of their territory. This observed a Belted Kingfisher with a room. As I came up to the window, I territory includes a spruce-hemlock food item in its bill. It became apparent saw an adult Red-tailed Hawk fly from alder forest, approximately 30 acres, to us it had captured a frog. While close to the house toward a spruce tree on the uphill side of the campus, a perched and holding the frog in its that is down by our pond. creek flowing through the campus, bill, the Kingfisher beat it against the Approaching the tree from the right and a strip of emergent wetland wooden perch several times, after in a more or less casual flight mode, vegetation and red alder lining the bay. which it swallowed the frog head first. he (I refer to the Red-tail as he I suspect that Douglas squirrels, mice, The frog was larger than a because I believe it was the smaller and voles from this habitat sustain this Pacific Treefrog (Pseudacris regilla), of the two that are often here on the pair of hawks, but I have observed at but small than an adult Bullfrog (Rana property and nest on the hill behind least one of them take Western Gulls catesbeiana)(Corkran and Thoms our house) made a slight dip or off the practice fields in the past. 1996, Leonard et al. 1993). The frog's correction that set him up to dive I was driving through the back was brownish and it had a reddish slightly down and around the tree to Astoria High School parking lot at about 0800 hrs on December 31, 2002, cast to the underside of its legs. We pluck a crow off of a limb on the left when something fell from the wires believed the prey item was a Red- side of the tree. The crow seemed to overhead. It turned out to be two legged Frog (Rana aurora), which is have no idea that the hawk was there European Starlings duking it out in the size of the devoured frog. Red- and the Red-tail was able to grab it in mortal combat. Each bird had its legged Frogs are active during warm such a way that the crow could not "talons" locked into the breast of the rains from around late December near even flap a wing (I could see no wings other, and they flopped and flapped the Oregon Coast (R. Storm, p.c.). flapping or hanging down). He back and forth, screeching and pecking Acknowledgments quickly carried the crow off into the hard for all they were worth, first one Comments from Mike Patterson and woods where he was able to hide in on top, and then the other. It was all Robert M. Storm on frog biology were the trees. taking place in a mud puddle, but they greatly appreciated. In just a short time I grabbed were so engrossed they didn't seem to Sources Cited my binoculars and was down in the mind. Bent, A.C. 1940. Life histories of area where the hawk was hiding. At first I had foolish softy North American Cuckoos, Scores of crows had arrived and were thoughts about breaking it up, then I Goatsuckers, Hummingbirds and their making that awful racket or din that thought, "No this is nature," and then allies. Dover Publications (1989 they make when one of their own is I thought, "What am I saying: these reprint), New York. taken by a raptor. I located some of are STARLINGS and may they both Corkran, C.C. and C. Toms. 1996. the crows breast feathers that had just --" Amphibians of Oregon, Washington drifted to the ground. I could not see Suddenly a mature Red-tailed and British Columbia. Lone Pine the hawk, but I could see the crows Hawk slammed into the action and in Publishing, Edmonton, Alberta, diving toward the area of the tree that a flash carried BOTH starlings off to Canada. he was in. Either my presence, or the a nearby snag, where it promptly began Kaufman, K. 1996. Lives of North crows harassment, or both, caused dismantling them. Natural selection American birds. Houghton Mifflin, him to move several times until he in action...ahhhhhh.....wish I had a Boston. had moved across the swamp where video camera. This event was moved Leonard, W.P, H.A. Brown, L.L.C. I could not follow. As far as I could to the top of my Parking Lot Action Jones, K.R. McAllister and R.M. tell, he never came to ground with the List.
Oregon Birds 29(1): 36, Spring 2003 Oregon Birds and North American Birds have FIELD NOTES synchronized reporting areas, periods, and deadlines. Field reports for eastern and western Oregon are due to the OB Regional Editor and NAB Regional Editor at Oregon Birds Regional Editors the same time.
CHANGES TO FIELD NOTES Season Months To Editor REPORTING FORMAT Spring March-May 10 June Summer June-July 10 August After much discussion, Oregon Birds has decided to return Fall August-November 10 December to the regional field notes format that it used in the 1980s. Winter December-February 10 March This structure will go into effect with the SPRING 2003 REPORTS, which includes birds reported after 28 February. We believe that this format will better North American Birds North American Birds facilitate reporting of local phenology and trends, and Regional Editor Sub-Regional Editors reduce the size and scale of seasonal field observation All of Oregon Western Oregon summaries that each Field Notes Editor must compile. Steve Mlodinow Harry Nehls 4819 Gardner Avenue S.E. 20th There will be an overview written by a statewide writer Everett, WA 98203 Portland, OR 97202 for each issue, but the focus of OB will be more on local 425-514-5874 503-233-3976 status than has been the case in recent years. For large- Rogue Valley scale northwestern status, we recommend that birders Howard Sands subscribe to North American Birds, which includes an 10655 Agate Road excellent Oregon-Washington report for each season. Eagle Point, OR 97524 541-826-5246
OFO members bird all over the state, and often find birds that are of interest to local birders. OFO supports publication of local field notes and encourages OFO members to contact local newsletter publishers or field notes editors whenever birding in or near the Oregon locations listed below. If you would like to add a local newsletter or revise any of the information below, please contact the Editor, Oregon Birds, P.O. Box 220, Mehama, OR 97384
Bend Grants Pass La Grande Roseburg Eagle Eye The Siskin The Rav-on Wing-Tips Central Oregon Audubon Society Siskiyou Audubon Society Grande Ronde Bird Club Umpqua Valley Audubon Society P.O. Box 565 P.O. Box 2223 P.O. Box 29 P.O. Box 381 Bend, OR 97709 Grants Pass, OR 97528 LaGrande, OR 97850 Roseburg, OR 97470 Craig Miller Eleanor Pugh Joyce Coate [email protected] 541-866-2665 [email protected] 541-389-9115 (541) 963-9404
Coos Bay Hood River-The Dalles Newport Salem The Tattler The Garryana Rag The Sandpiper The Kestrel Cape Arago Audubon Society Columbia Gorge Audubon Society Yaquina Birders & Naturalists Salem Audubon Society P.O. Box 381 P.O. Box 64 P.O. Box 1467 189 Liberty St. NE 209A North Bend, OR 97459 White Salmon, WA 98672 Newport, OR 97365 Salem, OR 97301 Inactive Stuart Johnston Kathy Merrifield John Lundsten 541-267-7208 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 509-493-3363 (541) 753-2503 503-585-9442
Corvallis John Day Portland The Chat The Upland Sandpiper Audubon Warbler Audubon Society of Corvallis Grant County Bird Club Audubon Society of Portland 14505 Corvallis Rd. P.O. Box 111 5151 NW Cornell Road Corvallis, OR 97339 Canyon City, OR 97820 Portland, OR 97210 Joel Geier Tom Winters Harry Nehls [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 541 928-2815 541-542-2006 (h) 503-233-3976 541-575-2570 (w)
Eugene Klamath Falls Port Orford The Quail The Grebe The Storm Petrel Lane County Audubon Society Klamath Basin Audubon Society Kalmiopsis Audubon Society P.O. Box 5086 P.O.Box 354 P.O. Box 1265 Eugene, OR 97405 Klamath Falls, OR 97601 Port Orford, OR 97465 Allison Mickel Ken Johnston 541-485-7112 541-883-7671
Oregon Birds 29(1): 37, Spring 2003 Portland Metro Northeast
North Coast North Central Willamette Basin
Southeast South Rogue- Coast Umpqua South Central
South coast region extends east to Mapleton and Scottsburg
North Coast Willamette Basin North Central To Be Announced Joel Geier Chuck Gates Contact Alan Contreras 14505 Corvallis Road 14265 S. Antelope Dr. 795 E. 29th Ave Monmouth, OR 97361 Powell Butte, OR 97753 Eugene, OR 97405 541-928-1829 541-923-1320 541-342-5750 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Rogue-Umpqua South Central South Coast Norm Barrett Kevin Spencer Dave Lauten PO Box 97 P.O. Box 353 58134 Seven Devils Road Shady Cove, OR 97539 Tulelake, CA 96134 530- Bandon, OR 97411 541-878-2214 667-4644 541-347-1603 [email protected] [email protected]. [email protected] Dennis Vroman k12.ca.us 269 Shetland Dr. Portland Metro Grants Pass, OR 97526 Southeast Ray Korpi 541-479-4619 Noah Strycker 12611 N.E. 99th St. [email protected] 35995 E. Willis Road Apt. DD-214 Cresswell, OR 97426 Vancouver, WA 98682 Northeast 541-895-3123 360-604-0122 To Be Announced [email protected] [email protected] Contact Alan Contreras 795 E. 29th Ave Eugene, OR 97405 541-342-5750 [email protected]
Oregon Birds 29(1): 38, Spring 2003 Field Notes: Western Oregon, Fall 2002
Loons through alcids, except pelagics: Alan Contreras, 795 E. 29th Ave., Eugene OR 97405. [email protected] Pigeons through finches: Norm Barrett, Box 97, Shady Cove OR 97539. [email protected] Pelagic species: Greg Gillson, 2367 S Dogwood Street, Cornelius, OR 97113. [email protected]
This report represents only a portion of the actual records sent in; we used reports from about 175 observers. Marjorie Moore assembled the bulk of the Rogue Valley records, as did Harry Nehls for a lot of OBOL and NW Oregon records and Joel Geier for the Birdnotes online submission database that some observers use. Many late dates were from the late date tracking system maintained by Mike Patterson. August was brutally dry and generally hot throughout western Oregon except for some moist mornings on the north coast late in the month. Massive forest fires occurred in sw. Oregon, but the effect of the fires on birds is not yet clear though they may have affected local movements of Ferruginous Hawk and Dark-eyed Junco. Weather remained warm and clear throughout the fall, with only nominal precipitation through early November. An unusual cold spell the last few days of October caused brief January-like conditions, broken in early November when a week-long series of fronts finally brought significant rain throughout the region. Much of early November had windy, rainy weather but the last half of the month was unusually dry with warm, clear days on the coast and cool, often foggy days in the interior valleys. This pattern did not break up until just before CBCs. A remarkable flight of Chestnut-collared Longspurs eclipsed all previous Oregon records combined. Moderate El Niño conditions may have been responsible for a brief influx of Elegant Terns, high numbers (by Oregon standards) of Flesh-footed Shearwaters, several Xantuss Murrelet, Manx and Black-vented Shearwater reports (neither shearwater is yet confirmed for Oregon), Oregons first Blue-footed Booby and high counts of Brown Pelican and Heermanns Gull. The ENSO also may have contributed to low numbers of Laysan Albatross, Short- tailed Shearwater, Bullers Shearwater, and Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel. Most of the seabird data is from the following Bird Guide pelagic trips: Date Origin Hours Destination Aug 24 Newport 8 Perpetua Bank, 32 miles offshore Sep 6 Newport 5 24 miles offshore Sep 8 Newport 3 nearshore Sep 28 Charleston 10 Umpqua River Sea Canyon, Douglas Co. Oct 5 Newport 12 Perpetua and Heceta Bank, also deep water to 50 miles offshore, Lincoln and Lane Cos. Oct 6 Newport 12 Perpetua and Heceta Bank, Lincoln and Lane Cos. Oct 19 Newport 8 Perpetua Bank, 32 miles offshore Oct 26 Newport 10 (OSU trip) Perpetua Bank and out to 40 miles offshore
In general we have not mentioned reports of typical numbers at typical locations, focusing rather on arrival and departure dates, notable high and low numbers, unusual locations and possible range changes, rarities and a few oddments that may be of interest to readers of OB. OBRC review species are noted; we do not discuss their status by county. We otherwise indicate rare county records when known, up to the 10th record for a county. Mallard - plain type denotes species usually seen Pacific Loon - italics indicates unusual sightings, late dates, unusual locations, Latin subspecies HARLEQUIN DUCK - all capitals indicates a rare sighting Northern Fulmar, 5 Oct, The Bird Guide pelagic trip to Heceta Bank, Lane County. Photo/C. Gates ROSS'S GULL - all capitals in italics indicates the rarest sightings, first state records, species on the review list of the Oregon Birds Records Committee.
Oregon Birds 29(1):39, Spring 2003 Abbreviations AL Agate Lake, JACK ANWR Ankeny NWR, MARI BBSW Boiler Bay State Wayside, LINC BMNWR Bandon Marsh NWR, COOS BSNWR Baskett Slough NWR, POLK CS Coos Spit sites including ponds DF Detroit Flats, e. MARI DWA Denman Wildlife Area, JACK EEW E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, BENT ENSO El Niño-Southern Oscillation FNWR Finley NWR, BENT FRR Fern Ridge Reservoir, LANE FW Fernhill Wetlands, WASH JB Jackson Bottom, WASH KSP Kirtland Rd. sewage ponds, JACK LCR Lost Creek Res., JACK MM Millicoma Marsh, COOS MSC Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport. NJ N. Jetty RW Ridgefield NWR, Clark Co., Washington PB Perpetua Bank, off LINC PVW Pioneer Villa Wetlands near Brownsville, LINN SI Sauvie Island (county noted when known). SJ S. Jetty SJCR SJ, Columbia River, CLAT SJS S. Jetty Rd. sites, Siuslaw R., Florence, LANE SP Sewage ponds SPk State park TNWR Tualatin NWR, WASH WS Whetstone Savannah Reserve, JACK * OBRC review species ** OBRC review species not yet proven to occur County names are given in 4-letter format for sites other in Oregon by specimen, photo or recording than well-known cities. # Description submitted to OBRC
Red-throated Loon- One at Big L. Eared Grebe - The earliest report was of the local breeding population (DI). in the high Cascades 20 Oct was the one 27 Sep at CS (TR). Inland, they 1 was there on 18 Sep (JFo). One 2nd LINN record (MN). were more widespread than usual with was on the ocean off Cape Ferrelo Pacific Loon - Inland birds were one a clear influx in Nov: 1 at FRR on 2 CURR on 4 Sep (DM). at FRR 19-21 Oct (JS, DDe, DA) and Nov (JaS), Foster Res. 5-7 Nov, at the Laysan Albatross - 1 was off Newport 1 at LCR where rare 19 Oct (JL, NB). Brownsville SP 13 Nov (both MN), on 26 Oct (GG). Typically late, though Yellow-billed Loon - An early report Independence SP 13-15 Nov (RG, seen pretty regularly on early Oct was seen in flight at BBSW on 9 Oct JFo), Junction City SP 18 Nov (JaS), Heceta Bank trips in recent years. (PP). An adult still largely in breeding 2 at the Philomath SP on 20 Nov (HH), Black-footed Albatross - 167 were plumage was seen in the middle of and 1 at Creswell SP on 30 Nov (VA). off Newport on 6 Sep, 120 on 6 Oct, the Columbia R downstream of St. Horned Grebe - 18 were at FRR 24 125 on 5 Oct and 340 on 26 Oct, Helens on 14 Nov (BTw). One was Nov, a high count for that location typical numbers (GG). at Seaside 20-21 Nov (MP, TT). (StM); 11 at Foster Res. LINN on 23 Northern Fulmar - 255 were off Pied-billed Grebe - 2 on the Oct (JF) was also a high count. Newport on 6 Oct, 258 on 19 Oct and Willamette R. at Eugene 6 Sep were Western Grebe - It was a good 2500 on 26 Oct (GG). 1000 were seen probably migrants (DI); 13 in Eugenes breeding year at FRR. A pair with from Spanish Head LINC on 7 Nov Alton Baker Park on 16 Nov (VA) two young was seen 14 Aug (DDe). (PP). Counts at BBSW included 400+ certainly were. At least 5 flightless juvs. were with 2 on 9 Nov, 600+ on 10 Nov and 150+ Red-necked Grebe - 1 was at FRR pairs of ads. at FRR 21 Aug (DDe). on 18 Nov (PP). Onshore reports were where irregular on 19-20 Oct and 7 Over 100 were there 11 Sep (DI). few early in the season, but scores (all Nov (JFo, VA, JaS, NKS); 2 were Clarks Grebe - 10 were on FRR 11 but a few dark-phase) were visible there 15-17 Nov (DB, VA, RR). Sep, probably representing the bulk from land in LINC during the storms
Oregon Birds 29(1):40, Spring 2003 of 8-11 Nov (PP, ALC et al.) and many were visible from shore on 17 Nov (ALC, NKS). **DARK-RUMPED PETREL - Not yet confirmed for Oregon, one was reported 45 nm w. of Port Orford 8 Aug and another was reported 45 nm w. of Florence on 10 Aug (DaA et al.). This would represent a first state record if accepted.# **COOKS PETREL - Not yet confirmed for Oregon, 3 were reported 76 nm w. of Florence on 1 Aug (DaA et al.). This would represent a first state record if accepted.# Pink-footed Shearwater - 139 were off Newport on 5 Sep (GG), 18 were seen from BBSW on 24 Sep (PP), 300 were off Newport on 26 Sep, 180 on 5 Oct, 92 on 6 Oct, 9 on 19 Oct and 120 on 26 Oct. 150 were off Charleston on 28 Sep (GG). Typical numbers. Flesh-footed Shearwater - 7 off Newport on 26 Oct was a new Oregon record for a single trip (GG). 1 was on Heceta Bank on 5 Oct. 2 were over Umpqua River Sea Canyon on 28 Sep; a first DOUG record (TS). Short-tailed Shearwater - The earliest were 8 off BBSW on 26 Sep (PP). Several were at SJCR on 17 Nov (MP). 1 was at BBSW on 18 Nov (PP). A rather poor early showing; more were seen in Dec. Sooty Shearwater - 50,000+ were at Seaside on 7 Aug, 250,000+ at SJCR on 25 Aug, 1000+ at BBSW on 27 Oct and 1000+ on 5 Sep; typical numbers. Blue-footed Booby, 9 Sep, Yaquina Head, Lincoln Co. Photos/P. Tilley **MANX SHEARWATER - 1 was reported at Tierra del Mar LINC 7 Sep and 1 at BBSW on 18 Nov (WG). There are still no confirmed records Leachs Storm-Petrel - 1 was off 8 Nov (DoH), 22 were at SI on 31 for Oregon. Charleston on 28 Sep (GG/BGP). Aug (TR); 23 were there in COLU on **Black-vented Shearwater - 1 was Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel - 27 were 15 Sep, later 33 were there, with some reported at SJCR on 17 Nov (MP). off Newport on 24 Aug, 5 on 5 Oct, remaining through 20 Sep; they have There is only 1 confirmed record for 17 on 6 Oct, 21 on 19 Oct and 4 on become regular in that area in recent Oregon (1992). 26 Oct. Low numbers this year years (DB). 6 were at AL throughout **Manx/Black-vented Shearwater - (GG/BGP). Aug and were last seen 9 Sep (MaM, 1 was reported at BBSW on 13 Aug, *BLUE - FOOTED BOOBY - NB); they are rare on the Rogue Valley 2 (possible) at SJCR on 25 Aug, 1 at Oregons first was at Yaquina Head floor but were also there last year. BBSW on 11 Oct and 1 at BBSW on 7-9 Sep (AJ, m. obs.); see cover of Brown Pelican - Good numbers were 9 Nov (PP). this issue. present all season, with flocks of Bullers Shearwater - 4 were off Am. White Pelican - A flock was in dozens common all along the coast Newport on 6 Sep, 33 on 5 Oct, 20 upper Coos Bay (fewer than 10 county through the end of the period. A count on 6 Oct, 21 on 19 Oct and 100 on 26 records) with 7 first found 31 Jul of about 300 birds perched on the Oct (GG). 25 were at BBSW on 24 (DoA), 10 on 3 Aug and a slow offshore rocks at Seal Rock, LINC on Sep and 70 on 26 Sep (PP). Rather diminution through late Aug, with 1 15 Nov (CP) was high for that area at late to arrive this year and didnt build on 2 Sep the last reported (TR). 3 any season, especially so for mid-Nov. into large numbers. others were on the coast at Astoria on 119 were still there 29 Nov (JS).
Oregon Birds 29(1): 41, Spring 2003 BBSW flyby counts showed the huge LINN 5 Nov (MN) were late for a southbound over Mt. Pisgah, LANE numbers still in Oregon late in the northerly location. on 7 Oct were a little unusual (DDe), season: 250 on 9 Nov, 500+ on 18 Black-crowned Night-Heron - An as was one at a Medford golf course Nov, 600+ on 22 Nov (PP). See the ad. was at FRR 21 Aug (fide DDe); 18 Oct (NB); they are rare in the winter season report for some really an imm. was there 30 Aug (DF). 1 Rogue Valley. remarkable numbers. The astounding was at Astoria 22 Oct (TT), 4 were at Rosss Goose - One was near Junction 2000 near Pacific City on 18 Nov were the N. Portland roost on 12 Nov (KaS), City, LANE on 12 Nov (JSu) and shown on Portland TV (fide HN). 3 were at the mouth of the Chetco R. reappeared in early Dec near FRR. Double-crested Cormorant - At least CURR until 15 Nov (ShC). They are not annual in LANE. A bird 125 migrants were circling Stewart L. White-faced Ibis - One was at FRR appeared at the mouth of the Elk R., BENT on 29 Oct (JaS et al.); only 7 1 Aug (PSh, NKS, LS); perhaps the CURR the last week of Nov, where actually used the lake. same bird was at PVW 12-13 Aug one wintered last year (TJW). Brandts Cormorant - Many Oregon (MN). Brant - A few inland birds were found, breeders leave in winter; the 3500 Turkey Vulture - A cave containing with 2 near FRR on 10 Nov and 1 near northbound off Newport on 13 Oct a recent nest (by feather content and Junction City 12 Nov (JSu); probably (WH) may have been heading for smell) was found on Spencer Butte the same bird remained with the FRR Puget Sound wintering areas. on the s. edge of Eugene 14 Oct goose flock through the period. About Great Egret - Movements into the (NKS). A straggler was near Eugene 120 were at Yaquina Bay 29 Nov, the Willamette Valley continue to be early on 12 Nov (AP), 1 was at FRR 27 only significant wintering site in and heavier (esp. n. of FRR) than what Nov (StM) and 4 were w. of Eugene Oregon (JS). One was reported at was seen 10-15 years ago. Reported 29 Nov (NKS); a few have wintered Coos Bay all period after 23 Sep (TR). 11 Aug from SI (EK), three were near in the area in recent years. As usual Trumpeter Swan - 1 was with Pioneer Villa LINN as early as 16 Aug the best departure data for large groups Tundras at FRR on 3 Nov (StM); they (TS). Up to 26 were at BSNWR in was from the Rogue Valley, where are not annual in LANE. mid-Sep (RG); they are regular now 425 were at a Bear Creek roost (SJ) Tundra Swan - 2 at FNWR on 16 Oct but a few years ago were rarely seen and 1,000 were at a roost elsewhere (DA) were the earliest reported. 6 in the northern valley in such numbers. in the valley (TP), both 2 Oct. The were at FW on 24 Oct (AL), 9 arrived Scores were in s. coastal estuaries last reports in the Rogue Valley were at FRR on 25 Oct (DBr), one had through Sep, with 86 off MM in upper 17 Oct. reached central DOUG where irregular Coos Bay on 4 Oct the peak count Greater White-fronted Goose - The by 11 Nov (LBa). Although small (TR) and 60 at Yaquina Bay 31 Aug first small flocks arrived in late Aug flocks were scattered over nw. Oregon, an excellent count (TB). 35 at as usual, with 37 at SI on 29 Aug numbers were generally low through BSNWR on 17 Sep and 50 on SI 22 (HBN) and 11 at FRR on 30 Aug (DF). the end of the period, with 87 at Aug (HBN) are numbers that would Movements seemed rather heavy and ANWR 12 Nov (MK) the largest flock have been considered impossible 15 extended in NW Oregon, with flocks reported until 500 were seen at dusk years ago; today they are almost of over 100 still moving through at FRR on 30 Nov (StM). expected. By mid-Oct very few during the 4th week of Sep (m. obs). Gadwall - 20 at FRR 19 Oct (JFo) remained at the Siuslaw while numbers South coast numbers were unusually would have been considered unusual at FRR increased with reservoir high. 13 reached BMNWR on 17 Sep a few years back, but they have been drawdown; peak counts at FRR were (TR) and numbers there were wintering in numbers in recent years. 80 on 18 Oct (DDe) and at least 147 exceptional, with 100 on 29 Sep and 29 were at FW on 28 Oct (WS). on 21 Oct (MN). an amazing 250 on 4 Oct. 60 were at Mallard - 5000 were at FNWR on 26 Snowy Egret - None north of Coos CS on 10 Oct (TR). 5 to 8 were at Oct (SP). Bay this fall. First reports at the usual LCR 22 to 30 Sep (NB, MaM); they Northern Pintail - A female with 5 wintering locations around Coos Bay are irregular in the Rogue Valley. 1 young was at FW on 12 Aug (JB). were 1 on 4 Oct and 2 on 26 Nov was near Junction City, LANE, where Earliest in JACK were 2 at AL on 3 (TR). irregular, on 12 Nov (JSu) and it Sep (MM). Cattle Egret - Another off year, or reappeared around FRR off and on Eurasian Wigeon - Peak count was perhaps off decade: none were through the end of the period. 8 males at Yaquina Bay 23 Nov (JaS). reported. Emperor Goose - One was at SI on Green-winged Teal - A Eurasian form Green Heron - Singles and family 14 Oct (IT, JF et al.) and one was near (Common Teal) was at FW 21-24 groups were seen through late Aug McMinnville YAMH on 30 Nov (CK). Nov (PT, GG, HN, CB et al.) throughout the region; most were gone Snow Goose - 3 at FRR in early Aug Blue -winged Teal - Always thin in after mid-Oct. One was seen as late (TM) were ahead of the usual fall, the exception was Malheur West as 24 Oct at Stewart L BENT, thus movement. One at Floras L., CURR at FRR, where at least 125 were proving that it was not the owner of on 11 Oct was unexpected (HH, ALC, present 2 Aug (StM), as astonishing the pile of Green Heron feathers found NKS) as were 1 over Tillamook 30 number for anywhere in Oregon, let there 21 Oct (JaS, JA). A few winter, Nov (JH, DoM, BT, JoC) and 7 at alone the west side in August. More mainly in sw. Oregon; 1 at BMNWR 4 Oct (TR). A few were in typical reports were from PVW 17 Meadowlark Prairie w. of Eugene the Willamette Valley after mid-Oct, Aug (MN), 1 Sep at ANWR (MC), 4 (StM) and one below Foster Dam with small numbers at SI (HBN). 35 at New R. (COOS) on 5 Sep (TR) and
Oregon Birds 29(1): 42, Spring 2003 4 s. of Newport on 30 Sep (CP). A Long -tailed Duck - An early bird Fall stragglers seemed fewer than late bird was at Brownsmead CLAT was at Yaquina Head 10 Sep (ALC et usual on the coast, with only a couple on 22 Nov (MP). al.), providing nominal consolation of mentions after Sep. except at Coos Cinnamon Teal - Stragglers were a for frustrated booby-seekers. Small Bay where 1-2 remained (TR), but pair at ANWR 6 Nov (JFo), one at numbers were seen south to the there were quite a few inland reports, BSNWR 24 Nov (EK) and 1 in Siuslaw R. Oct-Nov, esp. during storm mainly around Eugene through the YAMH on 29 Nov (QN). conditions. end of Nov (AP, NKS, JS, TB), with Canvasback - Small numbers (fewer Bufflehead - An early bird was at 1 in the Grants Pass area at the end of than 10 per location) were found after LCR on 10 Aug (fide MaM); 74 on the month (DV). early Nov in nw. Oregon but up to 30 Foster Res. LINN on 23 Oct was White-tailed Kite - Late summer was were at LCR and AL, JACK in late noteworthy (JF). very slow and only moderate numbers Oct (JL, NB, DC). Barrows Goldeneye - The 6th COOS were found early this fall, but by Nov Redhead - A female was on Floras L, record was near Empire on Coos Bay it looked like one of the best years in CURR on 13 Oct (HH, ALC, NKS), 26 Nov through the end of the period quite a while, with singles and groups where unusual. A male was on CS 31 (TR). A male at FW 3 Nov was very of 2-3 birds all over lowland w. Oregon Oct (TR), a good find since there is unusual (GG). Flocks of up to 27 on and 21 at the FRR roost on 26 Nov no longer a winter flock on Coos Bay Foster Res. below Green Peter Dam, (DJ), the largest number there in well as there was in the 1970s-80s. More LINN as usual were the only over a decade. regular were 3 at Yaquina Bay 23 Nov lowland reports of flocks this fall Bald Eagle - Widespread in the (JaS, JFo). (JFo). One was at Youngs Bay, CLAT Willamette Valley after late Oct, with Ring-necked Duck - Arrival of from 11 Nov (DoA, MP, LC) to the small gatherings of 2-5 birds at the migrants was noted 20 Sep at SI (WG) end of the period, perhaps the bird major refuges and FRR as usual. and Corvallis (JaS) and 21 Sep at FW that wintered at the same site last year. Coopers Hawk - One was living off (MaM). 279 were at the Brownsville A female was at the Willamina sewage roosting Vauxs Swifts in Eugene on SP on 13 Nov (MN), a high count. ponds POLK-YAMH on 13 Nov 2-3 Sep (StM). Greater Scaup - Although a few (DoA), also a probable return from Northern Goshawk - A migrant was winter in w. Oregon, they are not often last year. in ne. Portland on 13 Sep (DM et al.). reported in migration. One was at Common Merganser- 140 were in One was at Horsepasture Mtn. 16 Stewart L. BENT from 15 Oct through the Siuslaw estuary 17 Aug, typical Aug and an ad. and imm. were at Fuji 13 Nov (JaS). One was at Adair SP timing for peak numbers but a high Mtn. 6 Sep, both LANE (DDe). One (JFo). A female was at Foster Res count (ALC, DF). 110 were at FW on was four miles up the Chetco R from LINN on 11 Oct (MN) and 17 Nov 13 Nov, a high number for that location Brookings on 2 Sep (DM); they are (JFo); a male was on the Philomath (PS), as was 200 at Oaks Bottom in rare in coastal CURR. sewage ponds 20 Nov (HH). Portland 2 Oct (MMa). Red-shouldered Hawk - One was at Harlequin Duck - Three were near Red-breasted Merganser - A female SI throughout the season (HN, JoF, the Eagle Cr. fish hatchery MULT on was at FW on 13 Nov (PS). One was IT). Expansion has made this a regular 26 Aug (TS). at Smith-Bybee Lakes MULT 3-4 Nov bird in small numbers on the coast Surf Scoter - Coastal numbers were (DH, PJ). A male was at FRR where north to Florence, where 3-4 birds very high in late Oct, with counts off not annual on 12-16 Nov (JFo, VA, seemed to be present from Sep onward n. LANE and LINC in the thousands DB, NKS), and a female was at DWA, (ALC, DiP et al.). Singles were (ALC, PP et al.). The peak single-site where quite rare 15 Nov (JL, HS, JK). reported from multiple sites count was 15,000 southbound off Ruddy Duck - A very rare and throughout the Willamette Valley, BBSW on 13 Oct (WH). It was also irregular breeder w. of the Cascades, mainly from the central valley floor an excellent year for inland birds. 1 thus at least three breeding sites this westward. was at Gold L. LANE on 15 Oct (JeL year are of note. A family group was Red-tailed Hawk-A Harlans form & KL), 1 on Dexter Res. LANE 16 seen at Eastmoreland Park in Portland was at BSNWR 24 Nov (EK). One Oct (HH) and 31 Oct at FRR (JaS). on 22 Aug (PA), at least one pair bred or two are annual in the central 2 were at FW 13 Nov (PS), 8 at LCR at FRR: a female with 4 flightless Willamette Valley. 8-19 Oct (NB, JL) and 4 on the young was seen there on 11 Aug Ferruginous Hawk - Two different Clackamas R. e. of Estacada on 16 (ALC, NKS); DDe saw 5 flightless birds were seen 26 Oct and 28 Oct Nov. (EH). young the same day. An adult with migrating west along the Chetco R White-winged Scoter - Numbers one mostly-grown young was at CURR (DM); the bird on the 28th was were far lower than for Surf Scoter; ANWR 1 Sep (JL). 60 were on the later seen at the mouth of the peak count off Newport was 1200 on ocean at BBSW 29 Nov; they are Winchuck R. (KG). Another bird was 13 Oct (WH). unusual on the open ocean in Oregon near AL most of Nov (JL). A bird Black Scoter - Reports were very few, (GG). now and then in the Rogue Valley in with 30 off BBSW on 29 Oct but most Osprey - They have become more late fall is normal, but 3 from this movement there from late Nov through common in late fall in the past 10 region suggest that perhaps the severe mid-Dec, a pattern that PP has noted years or so; only birds after mid-Nov fires of late summer created an for three years in a row. The earliest can be considered late any more, and attractive bare-ground habitat that report was 1 Sep at Seaside (DJ, DEJ). a few have wintered in recent years. diverted a few birds.
Oregon Birds 29(1): 43, Spring 2003 Rough-legged Hawk - Numbers (AR). American Golden-Plover - South started low this year, with little Mountain Quail - 3 juveniles were coast: A probable was at CS 15-16 movement and very few birds in late above Green Peter Res., LINN on 3 Aug (TR). One was at BMNWR 12 Oct and some increase by early Nov. Sep (TS). 10 were close to the beach Sep and another on 23 Sep (DL, KC); The earliest report was 15 Oct at Oaks in South Beach LINC on 28 Nov 1 was there on 6 Oct (RR). Interior: Bottom MULT (EK). They have not (WH). One was seen at FW on 26-28 Sep; it wintered at Coos Bay in recent years American Coot - A migrant flock of was brightly colored but had the but two passed through on 15 Oct and 300 at Foster Res LINN on 5 Nov was primary extension appropriate for an 1 Nov at CS (TR). The peak count unusual for that site (MN); 200 at American (EB, GG, LM et al.). One was 12 on SI 21 Nov (IT, JoF). Dexter Res. LANE on 30 Nov was was at FRR 29 Sep (DDe, NKS, MN). Golden Eagle - One was at FNWR more expected (VA). One was at AL where rare on 8-9 Sep 26-29 Nov (DA et al.), where irregular. Sandhill Crane - An early migrant (JL et al.). Also unusual was one at FRR on 30 was at SI on 4 Aug (DB). 78 were on Pacific Golden-Plover - South coast: Nov (StM). 2 were at ANWR on 13 SI on 15 Sep (DB), building to 600 Movement began with 1 at BMNWR Oct (EK). by 22 Sep (HBN). The survey taken 11 Aug (TR); 2-4 were at CS 15-28 Merlin - Singles were reported at 8 Oct found 3500-3600 cranes there Aug (TR). One was at BMNWR 12 multiple sites in Aug; most late in the (fide HN). 10 passed over Mt. Pisgah Sep, standing next to an American G- month. Unusually early was one 6 LANE on 25 Oct (PS). There was a P for convenience in identification; Aug at ANWR (CK); one was far noticeable late-season movement this another was there 16 Sep, remaining south at AL on 16 Aug (NB). By Sep year, with small flocks of 60-80 birds until at least 4 Oct (TR). 1 was at CS singles were found throughout the reported over Beaverton 24 Nov (LM), on 27-29 Sep (TR), another was there region. 25 over Crabtree, LINN 24 Nov (JH) for one day on 4 Oct (TR). 5 were at Gyrfalcon - At least 4 reports of at and 22 (the same group?) at the BMNWR on 6 Oct (RR), at least one least 3 and possibly 4 different birds Creswell LANE sewage ponds later of these remained through 30 Oct had been received by the end of the the same day (NKS). 1 was at the Elk (TR). North coast: 1 was at SJCR 27 period, quite good for w. Oregon so R., CURR 24 Nov (TJW fide DM), Aug (TT), 3 were on Sunset Beach, early in the season. A rather early bird where a few birds are regular in CLAT on 19 Sep (DB), another was was a gray-phase at FW on 3 Nov migration; 2 at AL on 4 Sep were less at the Astoria golf course 4 Oct (MP). (TE, DMa, GG). A fairly dark gray- expected (DC). Snowy Plover - Peak counts were 15 phase was at BSNWR on 24-27 Nov Black-bellied Plover - Peak count at at the Siltcoos R. mouth 29 Sep (ALC (JJ, KS, GF). One was reported 22 BMNWR was 101 on 9 Oct (DL, KC). et al.) and 16 there 9 Oct (SM). Nov near the mouth of the Elk R., Semipalmated Plover - Movements CURR, about 10 miles from where of hundreds were found at one spent last winter (BF fide Dhz). concentration sites along the outer A very pale bird was at Warrenton coast as usual, with 500 at BMNWR CLAT 28 Nov (MP). on 4 Aug exceptionally high (ALC, Peregrine Falcon - Widespread in NKS, TR) and 400 there 15 Aug small numbers after early Aug. another sizable showing (TR). Three Prairie Falcon - There appeared to at the PVW LINN on 18 Aug were be more than usual in w. Oregon this unexpected (JF). Two at FRR 6 Nov fall, with perhaps 8-10 birds in the (LaM) were late, but they occasionally Willamette Valley and 2 in JACK winter on the mudflats of the reservoir. (MaM). It is always hard to judge Black-necked Stilt - One was near how many are in the W. valley, but BSNWR as late as 28 Aug (K&StS) my sense is that 3-4 might be normal and a family group of 5 birds was at in fall. This fall it seemed that every FRR 1-4 Aug (NKS, DF, DDe). reasonably well-covered piece of American Avocet - Three were at AL, potential habitat had one on a regular where rare, 2 Sep (NB). basis, so it wasnt just a few birds Greater Yellowlegs - Numbers were moving around. One at the Scappoose unimpressive throughout the region airfield 19 Sep was a little off the usual this fall, with peak counts at path (DB), as was one near Tillamook BMNWR under 10 birds (KC, DL) on 30 Nov (JH, BT, DoM, JoC). Lesser Yellowlegs - Most movement Wild Turkey - Especially obvious in was in Aug and early Sep as usual. JACK this fall (MaM); increasing at An amazing 55 were at FW on 7 Sep Mt. Pisgah LANE. (PS), a count that would be high even California Quail - Two coveys in eastern Oregon. 2 were a little late totaling 24 birds were found late this at FW on 20 Oct (PaS, RuS, GG). fall near Leaburg, 17 miles up the American Golden-Plover, 8- 9 Sep, Solitary Sandpiper - After an McKenzie Valley from Springfield, Agate Lake, Jackson Co. Photo/J. exceptionally good spring movement, where they have not been regular Livaudais a few were reported this fall, when
Oregon Birds 29(1): 44, Spring 2003 low; 38 on 26 Sep was the peak at Aug (TS) and at SI 3 Sep (IT, JoF), 8 Coos Bay (TR). at the Necanicum estuary 1 Sep (TT). Ruddy Turnstone - Coastal numbers Stragglers were reported through the were quite low. One was at the end of Sep, a little later than they Brownsville ponds 12 Aug (JF) and normally stay; one on 4 Oct at FRR at PVW 11 and 13 Aug (MN), perhaps (DDe) was the latest reported. the same bird. Pectoral Sandpiper - Small numbers Red Knot - Very few as usual, most moved through during Aug and Sep on the s. coast. 1 was at BMNWR 11 throughout the region; the earliest Aug, 1 25-27 Aug at New River COOS report was 10 Aug at FW (GG). A (TR, DL, KC), 2 there 4 Sep (DL, few stragglers were found: 1 at MM KC) and a few other singletons on 2 Nov (TR) 1 at SJCR on 11 Nov through 23 Sep, with no (DoA); one with an injured foot was Semipalmated Sandpiper, 2 Sep, Agate concentrations. 6 at BMNWR on 17 with the shorebird flock near Junction Lake, Jackson Co. Photo/J. Livaudais Sep was the high (KC, DLa). City LANE on 17-18 Nov (TM, AM, Sanderling - One was at FRR on 12 JaS, JFo). they are often nearly absent. Because Sep (JSu). They are annual at FRR Sharp-tailed Sandpiper - Four this species fall status is poorly when habitat is available in Sep and records makes a fairly good year, with known, we list all reports from this the area is well covered. They are less the 6th for LANE at FRR 28-29 Sep season. Singles were at Vanport regular in JACK, where the 10th (DF, MN) and perhaps the same bird wetlands in N. Portland 6 Aug (IT), record was at AL on 6 Sep (JL). again 7 Oct (PSh), one at Seaside 16- PVW 11 Aug (MN), Brownsville SP Semipalmated Sandpiper - The usual 18 Oct (TT), one at FW, a 3rd record 12 Aug (Jfl), CS 17 Aug (JG, OS), trickle occurred throughout Aug and for WASH, from 29 Sep to 28 Oct Croeni ponds near North Plains, into early Sep with 2 at Wireless Road (MkN, GG, TS, WS et al.). Another WASH on 1 Sep (GG), EEW on 1 Oct CLAT on 9 Aug the only flock (LC). was at BMNWR from 29 Sep to 6 Oct (JoG), 1 there on 8 Oct and 2 on 9 Oct Least regular in the sw. interior, so 1 (DL, KC, TR, RR). (JG). at AL on 2 Sep Willet - Unusual so far north on the and at LCR the coast, one was at the Necanicum same day are of estuary CLAT 7-8 Aug (SW, MP), note (NB). The another northerly bird was at latest reported Tillamook Bay 8 Aug (CK). One was was one at FW on at Bandon, where regular, on 11 and 8 Sep (PJ). After 13 Aug (KC), 6 remained on the early Sep this mudflats next to downtown Coos Bay species is rarely at the end of the period; they have reported and even wintered for the past two years (TR). more rarely Wandering Tattler - Reports were reported correctly. from 4 Aug through 21 Sep, with peak Western counts under 10 at jetties as usual; 11 Sandpiper - Peak at Bandon 13 Aug was the high for counts were 9000 one site (DL, KC). at BMNWR on Spotted Sandpiper - Peak movement 11 Aug (KC, DL) seemed to be in early Aug; the high and the late- count was 10 on 11 Aug at PVW season peak of (MN). Singles on 28 Nov at Salem imms. was 5000 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, 22 Oct, Fernhill Wetlands, Washington Co. Photo/R. Sullivan. See Members Gallery Special Color (HR) and Barton County Pk CLAC there on 23 Sep Edition in this issue. (BE) may have represented birds likely (TR). to winter rather than stragglers of local Least Sandpiper - Peak counts were Rock Sandpiper - An imm. was origin. 2500 at BMNWR on 27 Oct and 2000 reported with turnstones 23 Aug from Whimbrel - One was out of place at there on 16 Sep (TR); peaks are Yachats (DWe), a very early date. Oct ANWR 14 Aug (MK). One was still typically later than for Western. arrivals were very thin and by mid- present at BMNWR through the end Bairds Sandpiper - It was an up Nov only a few reports had been of the period; they often winter (TR). year for this somewhat irregular received, none from south of Depoe Long-billed Curlew - One was in a migrant. Small numbers were found Bay until 3 were found at SJ Yaquina pasture along the Alsea estuary on 10 throughout w. Oregon after mid-Aug, Bay 30 Nov (MiN). Nov, a late bird in an unexpected with 1-2 birds at many locations and Dunlin - Outriders were at SJCR 10 location (WH). peak counts of 6 at Coos Spit 19 Aug (HN), PVW 13 Aug (MN) and *Hudsonian Godwit - One was at Aug (TR), 5 there 5 Sep (TR), 5 along BMNWR (2) on 4 Sep (DL, KC); BMNWR on 8 Sep (AJ et al.) Wireless Rd, CLAT on 6 Sep (LC), 6 numbers built slowly in Sep (the first Marbled Godwit - Numbers were at LCR on 2 Sep (NB), PVW on 16 small flocks in mid-Sep) and most
Oregon Birds 29(1): 45, Spring 2003 birds arrived in late Oct as usual, with (ALC, DF) was noteworthy, as were report. 10,000 at BMNWR on 27 Oct the 2 imms at FRR 5 Aug (DDe), where South Polar Skua -1 was off Newport peak (TR). they bred in 2001 and probably did in on 24 Aug, 3 on 6 Sep, 5 on 5 Oct Stilt Sandpiper - One was at FW 31 2002. 1 at FW on 22 Oct was late and 2 on 6 Oct. 1 was off Charleston Aug-8 Sep (GG, DS, JR, MrM, TS et (PJ). COOS and 1 over Umpqua Sea al.), a second record for WASH, Red-necked Phalarope - Offshore Canyon, DOUG on 28 Sep. As another was at Stanley L., CLAT on trips found few; 125 off Newport on expected, recorded on nearly every 4 Sep (TT). One was at BMNWR on 6 Sep (GG) was the high. Small trip from mid-Aug through Oct beyond 16-17 Sep (MiM, TR). Later reports numbers moved through the WIV and 20 miles from shore (GG/BGP). at various locations were clouded by along the coast in early Aug, with a Pomarine Jaeger - Normal numbers the presence of solitary Dunlin trickle still moving in early Sep. One offshore. 22 were off Newport on 6 possibly misidentified. was exceptionally late at BBSW 10 Sep, 4 at Tierra del Mar LINC on 7 Buff-breasted Sandpiper - It was a Nov, described as having a very black Sep, 43 at BBSW on 24 Sep, 8 at good year with at least 12 birds found. back with a white stripe, and a needle- BBSW on 26 Sep, 15 off Newport on The first was 1 on 23 Aug at Bayocean like bill (JHa, JF). Most reports in 26 Oct, 1 at BBSW on 29 Oct spit, TILL (K&StS), the latest in the Nov during the Red Phalarope wreck (GG/BGP). One at BBSW on 9 Nov regular window was 1 at CS on 16 did not have convincing details and (PP) was a little late, but see winter Sep (MiM), an unusually late bird was probably relate to molting Red report. at FW 20 Sep until at least 29 Sep Phalaropes. Most observers see Red (MMa, MkN, GG, TS). Phalarope so infrequently in migration Ruff - It was an excellent year, with that its various appearances even in at least 8 separate birds and perhaps the same flock are not well known. 9. 2 imm. Reeves were at New R., COOS on 25 Aug-1 Sep (TR, DL, KC, GS, BM, SK), 2 more imm. Reeves were on the beach at Cape Meares, TILL on 4 Sep (DoA) and 3 were at CS on 16 Sep (MiM). 1 Ruff (LANEs 9th) was found at FRR on 27 Sep (DF) and remained until at least 1 Nov, assuming that the sporadic multi-observer re-sightings were of Pomarine Jaeger, 5 Oct, The Bird Guide the same bird (DA, DDe, LaM, NKS). pelagic trip to Heceta Bank, Lane County. Photo/C. Gates Two were found just w. of Junction Red Phalarope, 13 Nov, Siuslaw Dog City, LANE feeding in a fertilized Ponds, South Jetty Road, Florence, Lane field with gulls, plovers and other Co. Photo/A. Reid Parasitic Jaeger - Typical numbers shorebirds on 15 Nov (DDe), were seen. 12 were off Newport on 6 remaining for at least a week, and one Red Phalarope - Offshore trips found Sep, (GG/BGP), 1 was on CS on 15 was still there through at least 29 Nov moderate numbers: the earliest were Sep (PS), 1 was at the NJ Siuslaw on (m. obs.), perhaps settling for the 65 off Newport on 24 Aug. An early 21 Sep (DiP, SM), 1 at BBSW on 24 winter since 2 were in w. Eugene in coastal migrant was at CS on 15 Sep Sep, 2 on 26 Sep. 1 13 Oct, 1 off late Dec, see winter report. It is not (PS et al). A major onshore movement Newport on 26 Oct, 1 chasing a clear whether the latter birds included occurred during the storms of 7-11 Bonapartes Gull off Strawberry Hill, the one last seen two weeks earlier at Nov, with thousands of birds all along LANE on 15 Nov (GG), 1 off Bob FRR, about 9 miles south. the coast, locally forming flocks of Creek beach, LANE, on 16 Nov (GG). Short-billed Dowitcher - Latest many score birds. 2000 were off Inland, an imm. was at FW 7 Sep reports were on 23 Sep in COOS (TR). BBSW during the early part of this (MiR), another was at SI on 14 Sep Long-billed Dowitcher - Earliest period (PP). 160 were on the CS report was 2 on 11 Aug at BMNWR ponds on 10 Nov (TR). Numbers (IT). (TR). A flock of 142 at FRR on 10 remained high through 20 Nov when Long -tailed Jaeger - A poor showing Sep was a good concentration for the at least 120 were still in Yaquina Bay this fall, with 9 off Newport on 24 Willamette Valley (JSu). Numbers at (EH). A few appeared east of the Aug and 1 off Newport on 6 Sep inland sites seemed fairly high this Coast Range at FW, Willamina SP (GG/BGP). year. POLK-YAMH 10 Nov (QN), 1 at Franklins Gull - A good year, with Wilsons Snipe - The earliest migrant Sheridan sewage ponds 18 Nov singles off BBSW 7 Sep (WH), at SI report was 17 Aug at FW (LM). (DoA), Independence SP POLK 14 8 Sep through the end of the period Wilsons Phalarope - 2-3 juvs were Nov (RG), FRR 15 Nov (DB). (IT, LM et al.), at FW on 21 Oct (MK), still present at ANWR 16-17 Aug (TS, Numbers began dropping around 20 at FRR 20 Oct (JS, DF, VA, HH, NKS) JHa). They are rare on the outer coast, Nov and most of the remainder and possibly the same bird 12 Nov- thus 1 at the Siltcoos mouth 17 Aug departed around 29 Nov. See winter 17 Nov near Junction City (JSu).
Oregon Birds 29(1): 46, Spring 2003 Bonapartes Gull - An early migrant was at BSNWR 18 Aug (CK). Small numbers were observed from Sep onward, with most reported from mid- Oct to late Nov as usual. The storms of 7-11 Nov did not bring large numbers onshore or inland, perhaps because winds were often from the south rather than from the west. One possibly storm-assisted adult was feeding in a pasture near Junction City LANE on 13 Nov (JFo). Heermanns Gull - 1500 were at SJCR on 19 Sep, an unusual concentration (DB). Sizable southbound movements were still occurring through mid-Nov and some were found in Dec, see winter report. Mew Gull - An exceptionally early bird was at Coos Bay 8 Aug (TR). A Franklins Gull, 20 Oct, Fern Ridge Reservoir, Lane Co. Photo/N. Strycker bird showing characteristics of the Asiatic subspecies kamtschatschensis was observed at Yaquina Bay on 11 30 Nov (B&ZS). Common Tern - One at AL on 15 Nov (WH). 130 were at the Sabines Gull - 3 were off Newport Sep was the 8th record for JACK (JL). Monmouth SP 15 Nov (JFo), a count on 24 Aug, 8 on 6 Sep (GG/BGP) 31 Small numbers were reported from more often seen in the valley in spring, on 5 Oct, 1 on 6 Oct. A late imm. was multiple coastal sites. Inland, 22 were not fall, but perhaps related to the feeding with kittiwakes and at FRR on 4 Sep, a sizable group for storms. One was at KSP on 8 Nov Bonapartes Gulls off BBSW on 10 an inland location that does not report (JL); it is rare in JACK. Nov (ALC); it or a bird in similar it every year (DF). Some stayed until Ring-billed Gull -Two were at SJS plumage was there 12 Nov (FP). 16 Sep (NKS, JSu, DI). At least 8 on 4 Aug (ALC, NKS); they are Black-legged Kittiwake - Singles and and perhaps as many as 13 were at SI uncommon on the outer coast away small groups comprised of both adults on both sides of the county line on 15 from pastures. and imms. were fairly common Sep (DB). Two were seen at California Gull - 2500 at SJCR on offshore after late Sep, with Warrenton, CLAT on the very late 19 Sep (DB) was the high count from concentrations off BBSW. Strong date of 2 Nov (MP et al.). a single location. winds on 16 Nov may have been partly Arctic Tern - A very poor showing Herring Gull - Several were at LCR responsible for small groups all along this year. 1 was off Newport on 24 on the early date of 2 Sep (NB). the c. coast on 17 Nov (ALC, NKS). Aug, 1 on 6 Sep (GG/BGP), 1 at Tierra Singles and small numbers appeared *ROSSS GULL - A possible imm. del Mar LINC on 7 Sep (WG) and 1 along the outer coast after early Oct, was described at Yachats on 18 Nov at Yaquina Head on 8 Sep (GG). with no major concentrations during (DaF). Forsters Tern - One was at LCR on the storms of early Nov. Caspian Tern - Flocks of 12 on 5 2 Sep (NB) and one at Big L. LINN Thayers Gull - Small numbers Aug (DDe) and 28 on 6 (JSu) and 10 on 16 Sep (DDe, PSh, JF). trickled in by early Oct; there were Sep (NKS) at FRR were very high for Black Tern- 35 adults and 15 imms. no concentrations but singles were a valley location, a few moved through were at the FRR dikes on 11 Aug widespread. Of the five single birds FRR throughout Aug. The latest report (NKS, ALC), one of three colonies at seen by ALC during Oct-Nov on the was of an adult and imm. at Gold FRR this year. The latest report from outer coast, two were second-year Beach CURR on 12 Oct (ALC, HH, the FRR breeding area was 4-5 on 26 birds, usually by far the least common NKS) and 2 at Newport 13 Oct (WH). Aug; none were there 29 Aug (DDe). plumage seen on the Oregon coast. Elegant Tern - This was one of the Common Murre - An amazing 700 *SLATY-BACKED GULL- An adult odder years on record for this species. were between the Siuslaw jetties on was reported without details available A report of 16 at Empire, Coos Bay 18 Aug (RR); 20-30 is a normal peak at Siletz Bay on 27 Nov (Mike on 4 Aug, with 22 there 5 Aug (TR) tally there. Peak count was 20,000 Marshall fide HBN). suggested that at least a moderate southbound off BBSW on 18 Nov Western Gull - A single adult was at movement was underway, but in fact (PP). SI in COLU on 15 Sep (DB), that group dwindled to 2 on 8 Aug. Pigeon Guillemot- There seems to somewhat early for this location, 2 were at Florence on 6 Aug (PSh), be a long-term trend toward more where a few birds are regular in winter. 5 at Seaside on 7 Aug but there were birds remaining off Oregon later in Glaucous Gull - 1 was at the no other reports except 1 on 15 Sep the fall. 50 were off Newport on 26 Warrenton SP on 21 Nov (MP) and at HMSC (JFo). Thus the invasion of Oct (BGP), a remarkable number so one was at the NJ of the Siuslaw on 02 turned into a brief skirmish. late. There were 11 at BBSW on 9
Oregon Birds 29(1): 47, Spring 2003 Nov (PP), a date at which 1 or 2 would near there 3 Nov. On 22 Oct, CP found most LANE reports have come. be normal and zero not a surprise. A two wings of an owl along the beach Black Swift - Birds were still at Salt few stragglers were still present south of the Yaquina Bay S J Creek Falls LANE on 20 Aug (AP, nearshore and in lower estuaries LINCOLN, which were later identified BH), 20 were along the Clackamas R. through the end of the period. by CP and WH as belonging to a near Estacada on 21 Aug (MOG). Marbled Murrelet - Numbers were BUOW. In the 1970s this species was One was with 100 Vauxs at AL on 8 quite low along the coast. often seen at the Yaquina Bay SJ. Sep (JL); they are rare in JACK. One *Xantus's Murrelet - 5 were off Northern Spotted Owl - 2 were at was at FW 22 Sep (LM). Newport on 5 Oct, the highest number Buck Meadows in the Three Sisters Vauxs Swift - The first reports of ever for an Oregon pelagic trip Wilderness LANE on 1-4 Sep (PeB, migratory flocks gathering was 21 (BGP).# BN), higher than usual. 3 were in the Aug in Eugene (DaF) and in JACK Ancient Murrelet - Numbers were Falls City area POLK 22 Sep (SB), 1 (NB, DV). 8,000-11,000 was the peak quite low from the first report of 1 on was along Highway 20 e. of Lost Lake late-season count at Eugene 8-9 Oct 19 Oct off Newport (GG) through LINN mid Sep (PB). (MaP, m. obs). The Chapman school early Nov, by which time there is Barred Owl - 5 were near Falls City site in Portland reached 5000 and then typically a more significant movement. POLK 22 Sep (SB), 3 were whooping dropped off (HN). No last dates were Not until the last half of Nov was there it up along the Chetco R. e. of reported for these sites but 4 Oct was a large showing, with 290 at Boiler Brookings CURR 2 Nov (DM). 1 was the last report at Eugene airport (MN), Bay on 18 Nov 18 (PP) and 90 on the near Newport on 5 Oct (GG, Tim 6 Oct at Lower Table Rock JACK 30th (PP). Shelmerdine), 1 in sw. Portland (DV) and 7 Oct in Corvallis (HR). Cassins Auklet - Very high numbers 8 Sep (BrB) and 1 on 15 Oct at Oaks Rufous Hummingbird - There were were found offshore. 140 were off Bottom MULT (EK). many reports in Aug as usual; the latest Charleston on 28 Sep, 355 were off Short-eared Owl - Small numbers was 29 Sep in Portland (PJ). Newport on 5 Oct and 153 on 6 Oct. moved through, mainly in late Oct and Annas Hummingbird - One was 10,000 off Newport on 19 Oct was a early Nov. 1 was at LCR 20 Oct (NB), displaying at Pistol River, CURR on new record from an offshore platform 1 was at CS on 2 Nov, where a rare 20 Nov during the warm sunny period in Oregon. 1500 were off Newport on migrant (TR). 1 was at SJCR on 2 on the s. coast (TR). 26 Oct (GG/BGP). Nov (GG); 1 was at the odd location *Costas Hummingbird - One was Rhinoceros Auklet - 500 were at of BBSW 15 Nov (RC), another reported 25 Sep in Tigard (TrS). Boiler Bay on 24 Sep (PP), 78 off unusual report was 1 on top of 2000- Lewiss Woodpecker - Widespread Newport on 5 Oct, 318 on 19 Oct, 120 ft. Spencers Butte in s. Eugene 27 Sep reports across inland western Oregon. on 26 Oct (GG), 800+ at Boiler Bay (NKS). 2 were at a more traditional 1st fall migrant in Jackson County on 18 Nov (PP). 17 were off Sea Lion location where they have been scarce was 21 Aug (DV) with a few in the Caves on 27 Oct, a high number at a for many years, FRR, on 30 Nov high Cascades of JACK on 22 Aug breeding site so late in the season (StM). 1 was seen at Yaquina Bay SJ (NB). A rather thin movement in and (ALC, NKS). on 31 Oct (CP). around the Rogue Valley later in the Tufted Puffin - 1 at the Siuslaw jetties, N. Saw-whet Owl - There is a season (MaM). 1 was at Taylor Burn LANE on 13 Aug (fide DiP) and 3 on noticeable movement in w. Oregon in LANE 23-24 Aug (JaS, DE, SOE, 19 Aug (PSh, DiP) were a little late Oct each year. Reports this fall include MaK); 4 were there 25 Aug (DE, and at an odd location. 1 at Thornton Creek LINC 16 Oct SOE); 3 on Mt. Pisgah LANE between *White-winged Dove - 1 at Newport (DaF), 3 responding to tapes along 1-18 Sep followed by 6 on 21 Sep but was photographed at a feeder 11-14 Bear Valley Rd. LINC on 19 Oct (TS) none after (DDe), 1 w. Portland 23 Oct (DK).# and one calling at Bandon on 26 Oct Sep (WG), 1 at Seaside CLAT 12 Oct Barn Owl - One was hunting in (DL, KC). (SW) was very rare, 2 e. and n. of daylight on a foggy 31 Aug at SJS Common Nighthawk - They have Coffin Butte BENT Oct 16 (JG), 1 (B&ZS). 1 was in Falls City POLK become so irregular in w. Oregon that Brownsville Rd LINN 14-16 Nov 22 Sep (SB) and 1 in West Linn CLAC some individual reports are worth (ToS, JS), BSNWR 14 Nov (CK), 1 27 Aug (TS). mentioning. On 27 Aug 5 birds were 17 Nov LINN (TS). Northern Pygmy-Owl - 2 were at s. of Salem (JL) and on 28 Aug one Red-naped Sapsucker - West-side Spencers Butte LANE 25 Sep (LaM) was over River Rd., Eugene (MaR). records are uncommon, thus 1 at Opal and one was still there 29 Sep (NKS); 1 was at Yachats LINC 2 Sep (BeB), Creek in the w. Cascades of MARI 28 this is a regular lowland site. 1 was at 1 in Springfield 16 Sep (StM), 1 at Oct (RG) and 1 at Devils Half-Acre, Larch Mtn MULT 25 Oct (WG). Glenhaven Park, Portland 18 Sep Mt. Hood NF CLAC on 22 Sep (PJ et Burrowing Owl - 1 was at SJS (PO). 1 13 Sep over nw Eugene (BC), al.) were of note; hybrids with Red- deflation plain 29 Sep (ALC, DF, M), 1 was using a clearcut in the coast breasted were near Scott L. in the very rare in coastal LANE; 1 was at range of COOS on 7 Aug (TR). 1 was LANE Cascades on 9 Sep (ALC, VA) Smithfield Rd POLK 22 Oct (CK), 1 sitting on the SJ of the Siuslaw on 7 and at Shady Cove JACK 25-28 Nov was s. of Peoria, LINN at a site used Sep (B&ZS). (NB). last year, on 11 Oct (MN) and 3 Nov Common Poor-will - One was in the Williamsons Sapsucker - A few slop (MC). One was near Halsey LINN Hills Creek area of e. LANE on 21 over the Cascade crest in fall, this year on 21 Oct and a different bird was Aug (TM); this is the area from which brought reports of 1 at Scott L. on 6
Oregon Birds 29(1):48, Spring 2003 Oct (AM, TM) and one at Gold L. 15 Oct (both LANE) (JeL&KL). 1 was at Hyatt L. JACK on 2 Nov (NB). White-headed Woodpecker - One was on Mt. Ashland JACK, where quite rare, on 13 Aug (AK). Three-toed Woodpecker - 1 was at Taylor Burn LANE 24 Aug (JaS) and 20 Oct (KF), also 1 on 15 Aug in the Mt. Hood Wilderness CLAC (TeJ). Also reported from the Diamond Peak area 27 Oct (GF), where this year it outnumbered Black-backed 3:1, a reversal of the observers usual experience there, which is that Black- backed outnumber Three-toed 5:1. Black-backed Woodpecker - 2 were at Taylor Burn at the n. end of Waldo L. LANE on 20 Aug (AP, BH), 4 there 24 Aug (JaS), 3 there 20 Oct (KF) and Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, 10 Nov, Salishan Spit, Lincoln Co. Photo/F. Schrock 1 there 26 Oct (DI). Also reported from the Diamond Peak area 27 Oct (GF). ANWR 21 Sep (KS), 1 24 Oct near in the Rogue Valley breeding range Northern Flicker - 1 Yellow-shafted SJS (B&ZS), 1 at Dayton YAMH 9 was 12 Aug at AL (MaM); rare in nw. race was at Stewart Lk. BENT 27 Nov Nov (FS), BSNWR 14 and 27 Nov Oregon was 1 at FW 23 Nov (CK) (JaS) (CK, GF), probably settled in for the Tropical Kingbird - It was a good Olive-sided Flycatcher - Latest was winter. One was at Tillamook 20 Nov year, with at least 5 reported (some one 25 Sep in w. Portland (WG). (JoC); how soon will they be a regular overlap possible): 1 at CS 12 Oct (RS), Western Wood-Pewee - Still easy to bird on the north coast as they are 1 at Newport 15 Oct (RB), 1 SJS 9- find in late Aug (one had just fledged from Coos Bay southward? 15 Nov (R&SM, DiP, many obs.), 2 24 Aug in nw. Eugene, BC), most were Says Phoebe - A light movement at Warrenton SP CLAT, 16-28 Nov gone by mid-Sep. Late migrants were west this fall, with 1 on 3 Nov at with at least 1 remaining into Dec (TT, 1 FNWR 20 Sep (HH) and 1 at Stewart Brownsville LINN (JFl), 1 at Cape MP, m. obs.). Lk. BENT 1 Oct (JaS). Blanco CURR 7 Nov (TJW), 1 at Elk *Scissor-tailed Flycatcher - 1 was Willow Flycatcher - The tail end of River CURR 24 (TJW fide DM). A at Salishan Spit LINC, Nov 7-11 (Ruth regular movement was represented by few winter in the Rogue Valley; first and Don Roberts, DaF, m. obs). # 1 at the Neawanna R. CLAT 8 Sep report was 22 Sep (LN). Western Kingbird - The latest in the (MP) and in the Rogue Valley 19 Sep Rogue Valley was 26 Aug (fide MaM). (fide MaM) and 26 Sep at the An irregular coastal migrant in fall, Applegate R. banding station JOSE 1 was at CS on 2 Sep (TR). (DV); a late bird was up the Chetco Loggerhead Shrike - One was at SI R. CURR on 4 Oct (DM). 6 Oct (EK), 1 at SJCR 28 Oct (TT), Hammonds Flycatcher - One at 1 at Sixes R. 20 Nov (DM, KG). Devils Half-Acre, Mt. Hood NF Northern Shrike - Widespread in CLAC on 22 Sep (PJ, BA) and one good numbers this fall; 1st reports 29 Sep at the Siltcoos mouth (M, ALC, were 1 at CS Oct 10 (TR) and 1 at NKS) was the latest reported. South Beach LINC Oct 13 (DaF), after Dusky Flycatcher - 1 was in w. which there were reports throughout Portland 25 Sep (WG). the region except for CURR; at least Western Flycatcher - Late birds 3 were in JACK after 20 Oct, where were 23 Sep at Eugene (DDe), 6 Oct they are sometimes very hard to come at Craig L. in e. LANE (TM) and at by (fide MaM) and near Roseburg Minto-Brown Park (Salem) MARI 5 where also hard to find on 5 Nov (JiA). Oct (KS). One on top of Spencers Butte LANE empidonax, sp. - 1 late bird was in on 17 Oct (NKS) was a somewhat Kirk Park at FRR on 1 Oct (LaM) and Tropical Kingbird, 10 Nov, South Jetty, misplaced migrant. a very late one was in Corvallis 28 Siuslaw River, Lane Co. Photo/S. Cassins Vireo - The latest were at Nov (MaR). Maulding FRR on 11 Sep (DI), Tualatin Hills Black Phoebe - They are now regular Nature Pk. WASH on 18 Sep (EK) north to COOS and DOUG. 1 was at Ash-throated Flycatcher - The latest and at the Sandy R. delta MULT 6 Oct
Oregon Birds 29(1):49, Spring 2003 (PS). MULT on 1 and 6 Oct (EK). Ruby-crowned Kinglet - First reports Warbling Vireo - The last seen at Violet-green Swallow - 3000 at were 4 Sep at Bandon (KC, DL), 19 Emigrant L. JACK was one on 5 Sep Brownsmead CLAT was the latest Sep at Philomath (KF) and 21 Sep in (MaM). One was in Eugene 23 Sep large migrant flock reported (MP). Eugene (LaM); numbers had reached (DF) and a late bird was at Brookings 85 at the Eugene airport 4 Oct were the lowlands by early Oct. on 13 Oct (ALC, HH, NKS). the latest there (MN) ; 40+ were at Blue-gray Gnatcatcher - Stragglers Red-eyed Vireo - Latest reports were Suver POLK 6 Oct (JoG); they were included 3 on 24 Aug at Merlin rest 1 at Smith Lake MULT 6 Aug (IT) also at SI that day (EK), one was up area along I-5 (JoG, TL, JHa), 1 at the and at SI 18 Aug (PJ). the Chetco R. CURR on 11 Oct (DM), Applegate River JOSE 27 Aug (DV) Black-billed Magpie - 1 of unknown 3 at ANWR 12 Oct (MK), one in and 5 Sep at Emigrant L. JACK origin was south of Monmouth POLK Eugene 15 Oct (DDe) and the latest (MaM). 27 Sep (fide PA) Rogue Valley report was 6 Oct (DV). Mountain Bluebird - An unusually Blue Jay - 1 was in Springfield 19 N. Rough-winged Swallow - The high 15 were at Four-in-One Cone Oct through the end of the period latest in nw. Oregon was at SI on 17 LANE 30 Aug (DDe), 1 female at CS (R&SM, MA, m. obs.). Another was Sep (TL); 1 at CS 25 Sep (TR) was 27 Sep (TR) was the second COOS in Coburg LANE 25 Oct (RH). the latest known from COOS. record. 2 pairs were at Taylor Burn Stellers Jay - 6 presumed migrants LANE on 24 Aug (JaS). were at the Eugene airport, an unlikely Bank Swallow - 10 pairs still had Western Bluebird - We have Elsie site, on 10 Oct (MN). young in the burrows at the CLAC Eltzroth, Al Prigge and many others Western Scrub-Jay - Fall records on colony near Barton Park on 8 Aug to thank for the fact that reports of the coast have become more regular. (MOG), the second year of known small flocks in fall are now so common This fall we received 3 reports from nesting there; 1 or 2 were at FRR 18- in the Willamette Valley that we can non-breeding areas: 1 at Waxmyrtle 21 Aug (JS, DDe) once again consider this species part Campground LANE on 4 Sep (DJ, Cliff Swallow - Latest were 1 at of the normal avifauna of nw. DEJ), 1 at South Beach LINC 10 Oct FNWR 20 Sep (HH), 1 unhealthy- Oregon. In the early 1970s this was (RC) and 1 at Seal Rock LINC 28 Oct looking juv. at ANWR 22 Oct (VE). a truly rare, very local bird in the (MR). Much less expected was one Barn Swallow - Over 100,000 on 13 valley. Flocks were found at four sites near the summit of the McKenzie Pass Sep dropped to 5000 on 30 Sep and in COOS this fall, where they have LANE on 6 Oct (ShS, DF, VA). 50 on 12 Oct at the annual mega-roost been rare: 8 at CS on 6 Nov, 4 at Arago Horned Lark - There were many near Wheatland YAMH (FS). Last 24 Nov, 4 at Bandon 27 Nov (TR) and reports this year, perhaps owing to reported dates were 1 at Salem 10 Nov 1 at New River 7 Sep (KC, DL). better coverage of open-ground (SD), Independence POLK 17 Nov Townsends Solitaire - One was on habitats. 60 were w. of Brownsville (HR), 18 Nov at Salem (MK) and the valley floor, where rare, in NW on 11 Oct (MN) and 150, a large flock BBSW 25 Nov (PP). Eugene on 27 Nov (StM). for w. Oregon, was at BSNWR on 28 Brown Creeper - 3 at EEW on 24 Swainsons Thrush - Heavy Nov (TB). More reports than usual Sep (SB) suggests some migratory overnight movement began the last came from the outer coast, with 2 at movement; some creepers migrate out few days of Aug and early Sep. Night SJS 22 Sept (NKS, SS, ALC), 1 near of and into Oregon, though some may flocks were heard over Salem Floras L, CURR on 13 Oct (HH, NKS, remain. throughout the 1st half of Oct (KS ALC), 1 on 31 Oct and 1 Nov at CS, Rock Wren - One was on the outer others), 1 migrant Applegate JOSE with 2 there 3 Nov (TR) and 1 near coast where rare, at Cape Ferrelo Oct 16 (DV), last reported date was Cape Blanco CURR 7 Nov (TJW). CURR on 4 Sep (DM). 2 were on 24 Oct in w. Portland (WG). Other inland reports of migrants Marys Peak BENT 18 Sep (JM), 1 on Hermit Thrush - 2 arrivals were in included 1 imm. Mt. Pisgah LANE 2 Spencers Butte LANE 25 Sep (LaM). w. Portland 25 Sep (WG), 1 was at Aug (DDe), 1 at The Twins, e. LANE 1 was at Wolf Mtn. LANE, a known WS Oct 3 DV. on 2 Aug (DDe, DA, PS), singles on breeding site, on 25 Aug (PS). Varied Thrush - 5 were in w Portland 13 Sep at Adair BENT (JG) and Mt. House Wren - The summer resident 21 Sep (WG), early movers in what Pisgah LANE 9-10 Nov (DDe) and 2 at JLs home s. of Salem was last seen became a good winter for them in on Powell Butte MULT on 26 Sep 1 Sep. Stragglers were 1 at Hills Creek some lowland areas. (Roger Tomlinson). Res. LANE 18 Sep (NKS), 2 on 21 Northern Mockingbird - An early Purple Martin - A late report was 15 Sep near Creswell LANE (NKS), at report was at SJS on 12 Aug; it or Sep near Brownsmead CLAT (LC) Willamette Park BENT on 24 Sep another was there 28 Nov (B&ZS); a where 19 birds were seen on 6 Sep (MC) and 1 at EEW 1 Oct (JoG) and juv. was banded WS 21 Aug (DV), (MP); 1 was at LCR where unusual 3 one 19 Oct at Baker Beach Rd. n. of with multiple birds the entire period Aug (NB), latest at the colonies at Florence (DA). Observers are WS (DV, NB, JL), 1 was in Astoria South Beach LINC was 3 Sep (EH). cautioned that Marsh Wren can look 12-13 Oct (DoH, TT). Peak count was 100 at FRR on 25 remarkably dull in fall and is often Gray Catbird - 1 well-described along Aug (DF). confused with House Wren on CBCs. the Applegate River JOSE 18 Sep Tree Swallow - Late reports included Winter Wren - 9 at FNWR on 26 Oct (DV) was extremely rare in w. Oregon. 1 at FNWR 20 Sep (HH), at FRR on (SP) suggests that wintering birds had *Brown Thrasher - One at Lake 1 Oct (LaM) and at Oaks Bottom arrived by then. Creek 23-26 Sep (ML, m. obs.) was
Oregon Birds 29(1): 50, Spring 2003 the second JACK record. NKS). South Beach LINC 21 Nov (EH). **YELLOW WAGTAIL - 1 juvenile Townsends Warbler - The first Recent years have seen a startling was on the n. jetty of Yaquina Bay movement of coastal migrants were 2 increase in Oregon records. LINC 8 Sep (FS) #, 1 was reported noted 17 Sep at Warrenton SP CLAT Western Tanager - Latest reports from Diamond Peak LANE/KLAM (MP). during the end of normal passage were Oct 16 (Dave Clark); #. There is only Hermit Warbler - 1 latish bird was singles at Suver, POLK 18 Sep (JoG), one OBRC-approved sight record for in w. Portland 20 Sep (WG), another EEW 23 Sep (AlM), Corvallis 24 Sep Oregon. was in Eugene 21 Sep (TM). (MC), Eugene 25 Sep (DF) and along American Pipit - Early reports of Palm Warbler - An above-average the Rogue R. in JOSE 29 Sep (DV). migrants included 1 24 Aug at CS year on the coast but no inland reports A late bird was up the Chetco R. (TR), 2 at New River COOS (DiP) until Dec (see winter season report). CURR on 11 Oct (DM). and at SJCR (TT) on 27 Aug. The At least 24 birds were found on the Green-tailed Towhee - A presumed main movement began in mid-Sep but coast between 10 Oct and the end of migrant was at the Rigdon L. trailhead peaked a little later than usual with the period, with the largest numbers in Taylor Burn, LANE on 24 Aug 400 at CS 30 Sep (TR). on the s. coast in Nov. (JaS). *Phainopepla - 2 males were reported *Prairie Warbler - Three solid reports Chipping Sparrow - 1 Suver POLK at Florence 8-15 Oct (fide DiP) and a constitutes the best fall on record in Oct 5 (JoG) single 22 Nov (DiP) at the same Oregon: 1 was at Neawanna Wetlands Clay -colored Sparrow - 1 was at general location. No details are CLAT 22 Sep (MP) #, 1 at Pistol River Yaquina Bay 31 Aug (TB, JS), 1 (same available. CURR Oct 12 (ALC, HH, NKS) #; bird?) was in South Beach LINC 16- *Tennessee Warbler - One was along also see the east-side report. 18 Sep (RC), Wandemere LINC 30 the lower Winchuck R. on 5 Sep (DM). Blackpoll Warbler - 2 were at Sep (RC), Brookings CURR 2 Nov Orange-crowned Warbler - Winchuck Wayside CURR 23 Sep (KG). Stragglers were 1 at Smith-Bybee L. (DM). Brewers Sparrow - The status of this MULT Nov 22 (PJ), 1 FW 24 Nov 9 Black-and-white Warbler - 1 at Peoria species in fall away from the Cascade (CB). By late fall most have LINN 16 Sep was a county first (Mary ridgeline is clouded by the difficulty disappeared from the valley floor, so Campbell fide JaS); one in nw. Eugene of distinguishing it from imm. one at the Brownsville SP 13-30 Nov 22 Sep (MM) was LANEs 8th. Chipping Sparrows which are plentiful (MN et al.) was a little odd. A few American Redstart - A female was at some sites. Reports include 2 in winter. near Pittock Mansion in w. Portland the sparrow zone at Royal Ave, FRR Nashville Warbler - Not often 17 Sep (WG, RS, m. obs.) LANE 18 Aug (DF), 1 at Oaks Bottom reported in the Willamette Valley in Ovenbird - 1 was in North Bend MULT Aug 19 (AA), 1 at Four-in- fall, 1 was at Suver, POLK 18 Sep COOS 1 Nov (Sue Townsend). One Cone LANE 30 Aug (DDe), (JoG). A late bird was at Lone Ranch Northern Waterthrush - 1 was in the conceivably a local breeder although wayside, CURR on 13 Oct (HH, swamp along Baker Beach Rd. n. of the date suggests a migrant, and 1 at NKS). Florence, LANE 19 Oct (NKS, ALC, FNWR 31 Aug (HH). *Virginia's Warbler - 1 was at DF et al.), and again Nov 30 (JS, TB). Vesper Sparrow - 10 on Mt. Pisgah Winchuck Wayside CURR 23 Sep MacGillivrays Warbler - 1 at Devils LANE 28 Sep (DDe) was high, 1-2 (DM) # Half-Acre, Mt. Hood NF CLAC on were there through early Oct with *Cape May Warbler - 1 was reported 22 Sep (PJ, BA) was the latest latest date 10 Oct (Dde) at Timberline Lodge CLAC on 9 Aug, reported. no details are available (JW). Common Yellowthroat - More than Yellow Warbler - Late birds were usual ran late: 1 was at EEW on 9 Oct singles at Idaho Flats 29 Sep (DaF), (JG), 1 at FW (DoA) and another at LCR 30 Sep (MaM), Warrenton SP 5 Warrenton SP (MP) 13 Oct, 1 at Oct (MP) and Brookings 11 and 13 Johnson Mill Pond near Coquille, Oct (different birds; ALC, HH, NKS). COOS 24 Nov (TR). See also the The latest was 10 Nov in Beaverton winter season report. (JO). Wilsons Warbler - 1 at Devils Half- Yellow-rumped Warbler - Movement Acre, Mt. Hood NF CLAC on 22 Sep seemed rather slow until Oct, with Sep (PJ, BA), 1 on 23 Sep at Harrisburg birds mainly Audubons and later LINN (MN) and 1 at the Applegate movements shifting toward Myrtles banding station JOSE 1 Oct (DV) were as is typical. the latest reported at the end of the Black-throated Gray Warbler - normal period of movement; 1 in Straggling birds included 2 at Seaside Eugene 25 Oct was late (DiH) and an Lark Bunting 17-20 Aug, near Bandon (MP) and 1 at the Sandy R delta (PS) exceptionally tardy bird was there in Marsh NWR, Coos Co. Video Capture/O. on 6 Oct, 1 at Neck Rd YAMH 8 Oct 27 Nov (JH). Schmidt (DoA), FRR 9 Oct (LaM), in the Yellow-breasted Chat - Latest was 1 Rogue Valley 10 Oct (fide MaM) and near Creswell LANE 20 Sep (NKS). *Lark Bunting - 1 breeding-plumage 3 in Brookings 12 Oct (ALC, HH, *Summer Tanager - A female was in male at a feeder near BMNWR 17-20
Oregon Birds 29(1): 51, Spring 2003 Aug (JG, OS, m. obs.)# FRR 21 Nov (JS), 1 EEW 25 Nov Smithfield Road POLK 28 Nov into American Tree Sparrow - One was (JoG), a different bird 28 Nov at FRR early Dec (TB, others). One at LCR remarkably far south at Brookings 15 (NKS), 1-2 at FW 19-28 Nov (WG, on 19-20 Oct was the 7th for JACK Nov (KG) and 1 was at Floras L. DoA, MrM). Peak counts were 4 at (JL, NB). CURR 24 Nov (TJW fide DM) Floras Lake CURR on 21-24 Nov *Chestnut-collared Longspur - This Savannah Sparrow - What appeared (TR, DM) and 3 at MM, a regular falls extraordinary eleven birds on to be a migratory flight was grounded wintering site, 26 Nov (TR). the outer coast exceeds all previous by rain at FRR on 18 Sep (DI). A White-throated Sparrow - Numbers Oregon records combined. 1 was at major movement was underway on were high this fall, with first reports Floras Lake CURR 11 Oct (HH, NKS, the s. coast 11-13 Oct (ALC, NKS, at Phoenix JACK 29 Sep (MaH, ALC)#, 2 at CS 2 Nov (TR)#, 3 at the HH), with flocks of scores of birds in MaM), Sandy R. MULT on 1 Oct (Ron Necanicum estuary CLAT 2-30 Nov many locations. 80 were at EEW on Spencer), McMinnville on 4 Oct (CK) (TT, MP)#, 2 at SJCR 2 Nov (MP)#, 20 Aug and 55 were there on 25 Nov and FRR 9 Oct (LaM), and peak 3 near Cape Blanco CURR 7 Nov (JG). counts of 7 at EEW 25 Oct and 5 there (TJW), 1 female (different bird than Grasshopper Sparrow - One was 25 Nov (JoG). earlier 2) at CS 8 & 10 Nov (TR)#. in a sparrow flock at FRR 11 Aug, Golden-crowned Sparrow - The first probably from the nearby colony reports were 4 Sep near Powers COOS (NKS, ALC). (TR), 11 Sep on Larch Mtn. MULT Fox Sparrow - First fall reports of (IT), 14 Sep (JL) at Breitenbush MARI wintering subspecies were 25 Aug, a and at FNWR (PV), and 16 Sep at little early, in CLAT (LC), 7 Sep at Phoenix JACK (MaM). First report Barton County Park CLAC, 18 Sep at in LANE was 18 Sep at Mt. Pisgah Mt. Pisgah LANE (DDe) and in (DDe). Early reports of this species Phoenix JACK (MaM), 21 Sep in are often along montane ridges, not Florence, (DiP). At least 100 at the in lowlands. Warrenton SP CLAT on 5 Oct (MP) White-crowned Sparrow - Several suggested a heavier movement than observers considered movements very usual. thin this fall, with noticeable Lincolns Sparrow - Numbers movements the third week of Sep. Chestnut-collared Longspur, 11 Oct, seemed high this fall, with small flocks hybrid zonotrichia - A hybrid Floras Lake, Curry Co. Photo/N. Strycker. in many locations after late Sep. An Golden-crowned x White-throated was exceptionally early arrival was one at in Brookings on 10 Oct (Sheila CS 11 Aug (TR), 1 at Devils Half- Chambers). Snow Bunting - The second record Acre, Mt. Hood NF CLAC on 2 Sep Harriss Sparrow - 1 was at Coos for JACK was one 3 Nov in North (PJ, BA) may have been a local bird Bay 4-8 Nov (MW), 1 imm. was at Mtn. Park in Ashland (PeT, fide or a migrant. Earliest in LANE was Eugene Airport 25 Nov (DA). MaM). Up to 7 were at Mary's Peak 16 Sep at FRR (DI). Dark-eyed Junco - In the Rogue BENT 29 Oct-3 Nov (JM, RR, m. Valley several observers noted juncos obs.), up to 9 at SJCR 29 Oct-3 Nov earlier than usual at low elevations, (MP, m. obs.), 2 at SJCR on 2 Nov with one 27 Jul and several in early (GG), 2 at the NJ Siuslaw LANE 5 Aug. Marjorie Moore speculates that Nov (DiP), 1 FW on 2-3 Nov (m. this early downslope movement could obs.), 1 female at Mt. Pisgah LANE be related to the severe forest fires at 4-10 Nov (DDe), 1 at Troutdale MULT higher elevations north and west of 6 Nov (JoF). the valley, which seems a likely theory. Movement into the Willamette Valley was in small numbers during early Oct. Slate-colored birds appeared a little early, with 1 at Eugene 18 Oct (MaR) and 28 Oct (BN); a few reports Swamp Sparrow, 28 Nov, Baker Beach were from late Nov as usual. Swamp, Lane Co./Photo/N. Strycker. See Lapland Longspur - Small numbers Members Gallery Special Color Edition. were found along the outer coast as usual, mainly after mid-Sep, with most movement in Oct and early Nov. Peak Swamp Sparrow - Records were counts were 15 at SJCR on 2 Nov unusually widespread, especially at (GG), 11 there 9 Nov (MP), 5 at CS Snow Bunting, 3 Nov, South Jetty Columbia River, Clatsop Co. Photo/L. inland sites, starting with 1 in on 24 Oct (TR), 5 at SJCR 29 Oct-3 Cain residential Eugene 14 Oct (LaM), Nov (MP). Inland reports were few obviously a migrant that came down as expected, with 1 at Marys Peak Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 was in out of habitat. Inland reports were 1 BENT 20 Sep (HH) and 2-3 at Milwaukie on 4 Nov (JG).
Oregon Birds 29(1):52, Spring 2003 Black-headed Grosbeak - The last details were not available at the time perhaps the largest flock ever found significant movement seemed to be of writing this account. in WASH. the last ten days of Aug. Latest reports Gray-crowned Rosy -Finch - 12 were American Goldfinch - Large flocks were at SJS 1 Sep (ALC), at South on Larch Mtn MULT 24- 29 Oct (WG, sometimes form in fall but 2000 near Beach LINC 17 Sep (WH) and 5 Oct IT), 3 on Marys Peak BENT 29 Oct- Eugene on 1 Oct was exceptional in Phoenix JACK (MaM). 4 Nov (JM, m. obs.). Peak count was (DH). Lazuli Bunting - DDe reports that 60 on S. Sister LANE on 28 Aug numbers dropped off fast in Jul on Mt. (JiM), a very high count, all of which Exotica: Pisgah LANE. Fe with 2 young Aug appeared to be imms. The Chukar at the Eugene Airport 6, 1 Fe and 1 young Aug 9 and one Cassins Finch - 6 were at The Twins throughout the period (MN) was lone begging young, 1 Fe or imm Aug LANE 2 Aug (DDe, PS, DA); this suspected of being part of the new 20. Latest date was 24 Aug at Merlin, species is rare at any season in e. security system there. 11 Monk JOSE (DV). LANE. 1 male was seen well at the Parakeets were at the Portland Airport Tricolored Blackbird - 1 was in summit of Marys Peak BENT 19 Oct nest on 4 Nov (CB). A Ringed Turtle Portland 24 Nov (TS). (JoG). Dove was at a Portland feeder 31 Aug- Yellow-headed Blackbird - 2 were Lesser Goldfinch - 1-4 were at MM 27 Sep (TeM). at SI 6 Sep (IT), 1 was along Marine from 4 Oct-26 Nov (TR); this is the Errata: Drive in n. Portland 13 Nov (IT). At northern fringe of their coastal range. The Whimbrel listed for the Kirtland least 10 were lingering at FRR on 11 2 were at FW 28 Oct (WS); they are Rd ponds, JACK in spring field notes Sep (DI). not common that far north so a flock for 2002 (OB 28: 133) was a Willet *Rusty Blackbird - One was in White of nearly 50 there on 11 Nov (Mark (fide Marjorie Moore). City JACK on 30 Nov (Jim Hostick); Miller) is all the more remarkable,
Chestnut-collared Longspur, 11 Oct, Floras Lake, Curry Co. Photo/Noah Strycker
Oregon Birds 29(1):53, Spring 2003 Observers
AA Al Ahlgrim GG Greg Gillson MP Mike Patterson AJ Alvaro Jaramillo GS Gary Shaffer MrM Mark Miller AK Abe Karam HBN Harry Nehls MW Mike Wihler AL Andrew Laughlin HH Hendrik Herlyn NaW Nancy Wallwork ALC Alan Contreras HR Holly Reinhard NB Norm Barrett AlM Alan McGie HS Howard Sands NKS Noah K. Strycker AM Alison Mickel IT Iain Tomlinson OS Owen Schmidt AP Al Prigge JA Jim Anderson PA Paul Adamus AR Alan Reid JaS Jamie Simmons PaS Patrick Sullivan BA Bob Altman JeL Jen Lair PB Patty Bernardi BE Bill Evans JF Jeff Fleischer PeB Peg Boulay BeB Betty Bahn JFo Joe Fontaine PeT Pepper Trail BF Bob Fields JG Jeff Gilligan PJ Pamela Johnston BGP Bird Guide Pelagics JH Jill Hubbard PS Paul Sullivan BH Bill Hunter Jha Jeff Harding PSh Paul Sherrell BM Barry McKenzie JiA Jim Arneson PT Pat Tilley BN Bruce Newhouse JiM Jim Moodie PV Paula Vanderheul BrB Brett Baumann JJ Jarod Jebousek QN Quinton Nice BS Bill Stotz JK John Kemper RB Range Bayer BT Bill Thackaberry JL Jim Livaudais RG Roy Gerig BTw Bill Tweit JM Jerry Morsello RH Richard Holland CB Chris Butler JO Jim Olson RK Ray Korpi CCo Cliff Cordy JoC John Crowell RL Robert Lockett CK Carol Karlen JoF John Fitchen RR Roger Robb CP Chuck Philo JoG Joel Geier RS Richard Smith CR Craig Roberts JR John Rakestraw RuS Ruth Sullivan DA Dennis Arendt JSu John Sullivan SB Sean Burgett DaA David Ainley JW Justin Wrinn SD Steve Dowlan DaF Darrel Faxon KaS Karen Sharples ShC Sheila Chambers DB David Bailey KC Kathy Castelein ShS Shawn Steinberg DBr Dave Brown KF Karen Fairchild SJ Stewart Janes DC Dick Cronberg KG Ken Goldwater SK Steve Kornfeld DDe Don DeWitt KL Kevin Lair SM Sylvia Maulding DE Dennis Edge KS Karen Sparkman SMc Steve McDonald DeJ Den Johnson LaM Larry McQueen DF Daniel Farrar LBa Lou Balaban SOE Sally Olson Edge DG Dawn Grafe LC Lee Cain SP Stacy Peterson DH Dan Heyerly LM Leslie Meserve StM Steve McDonald Dhz Dave Helzer LN Liz Northrup StS Stuart Sparkman DI Dave Irons LS Lars Skålnes SW Steve Warner DiH Diane Horgan M Maitreya TB Tanya Bray DiP Diane Pettey MA Matt Adamson TE Tom Ewert DJ Dave Johnson MaH Marjorie Hipp TeJ Terry Johnson DK Doris Kasper MaK Mark Kramer TeM Terrie Murray DL Dave Lauten MaM Marjorie Moore TJW Terry J. Wahl DM Don Munson MaP Margie Paris TL Tom Love DMa Dennis Manzer MaR Mark Rudolph TM Tom Mickel DoA Don Albright MC Marcia Cutler TP Tom Phillips DoH Don Haller MiM Mike Marsh TR Tim Rodenkirk DoM Don McDonald MiN Michael Nomina TrS Tracy Stainbrook DS David Smith MiR Mitch Ratzlaff TS Tim Shelmerdine DV Dennis Vroman MK Michel Kleinbaum TT Todd Thornton DWe Dave Westerfield MkN Mark Nebeker VA Vjera Arnold EH Eric Horvath MLaF Margaret LaFaive VE Virgil Evans Ehe Eric Henze MM Marcia Maffei WG Wink Gross EK Erik Knight MMa Marcia Marvin WH Wayne Hoffman FP Fred Pratt MN Mark Nikas WS Wesley Stone GF Gary Fredricks MOG Marilyn O'Grady ZS Zanah Stotz
Oregon Birds 29(1):54, Spring 2003 Field Notes: Eastern Oregon, Fall 2002 Ray Korpi, 12611 NE 99th St., Apt. DD-214, Vancouver, WA 98682, [email protected]
Abbreviations used : BR Bowers Residence, 5 mi. w. of Hines, Harney Co. Cr. Creek FS Forest Service GR Gutierrez Ranch, Crook Co. HQ Headquarters Lk. Lake MNWR Malheur NWR, Harney Co. Mt. Mount or Mountain NF National Forest R. River Rd. Road Res. Reservoir s.p. sewage ponds SP state park Tr. trail UNWR Umatilla NWR, Morrow Co. WMA Wildlife Mgmt. Area
Mallard - plain type denotes species usually seen Pacific Loon - italics indicates unusual sightings, late dates, unusual locations, Latin subspecies HARLEQUIN DUCK - all capitals indicates the rarest sightings, first state records, species on the review list of the Oregon Birds Records Committee.
Pacific Loon-4, Wickiup Res., DES, Red-necked Grebe-1, Hatfield Lk., 27 Oct (JM, HHo); 1, Rufus, SHE, 1 DES, 15 Sep (WT); 1, Haystack Res., Nov (CC); 1, Columbia R. at Sand JEF, 21 Sep (DT). Station Pk., UMA, 2 Nov (M&MLD). Eared Grebe-Approx. 2000 nesting, Common Loon-1, Gerber Res., KLA, GR, 8 Aug (CG). 14 Aug (QN); 5, Wallowa Lk., WAL, Western Grebe-16, Columbia R. at 29 Sep (FC); 2, Ochoco Res., CRO, Sand Station Pk., UMA, 17 Oct, with 17 Oct (CG); 1, Phillips Res., BAK, 186 there on 2 Nov (M&MLD); 20 Oct (OL); 200 at Wickiup Res. recorded at Bully Cr. Res., MAL, 3 and Davis Lk., DES, 27 Oct (JM, Nov (DH). HHo); 1 near Heppner, MOR, 24 Nov Clark's Grebe-1, LaGrande s.p., UNI, (EE). 22 Oct (TB); 1, Redmond s.p., DES, Pied-billed Grebe-7, The Dalles boat 20 Nov (KO). Western Grebe, 25 Sep, Prineville basin, WAS, 25 Nov (M&MLD). American White Pelican-2 on 22 Sewage Ponds, Crook Co. Photo/C. Horned Grebe-6, Ochoco Res., CRO, Aug and 8 on 22 Sep, Ochoco Res., Gates 14 Oct (CG); 1, Love Res., MAL, 20 CRO (CG). Oct (DH); 1, Elgin s.p., UNI, 13-17 Double-crested Cormorant-Among Nov was one adult with a bright orange Nov (TB). 38 below McNary Dam, UMA, on 2 patagial tag (M&MLD).
Oregon Birds 29(1): 55, Spring 2003 American Bittern-1, Houston Lk., 14 Oct (CG); 2, Suttle Lk., JEF, 23 the 1st CG had detected at this locale. CRO, 10 Nov (CG). Oct (DA); 1 at Howard Bay, Upper Northern Goshawk-1 subadult, along Great Egret-1 at Painted Cove Res., Klamath Lk., KLA, 3 Nov, was a Mottet Cr., Umatilla NF, UNI, 5 Aug Painted Hills Unit of John Day Fossil county first for KTS; 1 subadult male, (MD); 1, Walton Lk., CRO, 15 & 18 Beds, WHE, 17 Aug, was the 3rd or at base of Hwy. 197 bridge, The Aug (JS); 2 subadults, FS Rd. 6232, 4th county record (JS); 3 on 1 Oct and Dalles, WAS, 25 Nov (M&MLD); 1 Umatilla NF, UNI, 19 Aug (MD, RJ); 1 on 6 Oct, UNWR (HB); 1, on the adult male, Taylor Lk., The Dalles, 1 adult, Bald Mt. overlooking the Grande Ronde R. near Island City, 13 WAS, 25 Nov (M&MLD). Looking Glass drainage, Umatilla NF, Nov, was only the 2nd one seen by TB White-winged Scoter-2, Columbia R. UNI, 8 Sep (M&MLD); 1, Troy, WAL, in two years in Union Co.; another at Sand Station Pk., UMA, 2 Nov 8 Sep (M&MLD); 1, Benson Pond, bird (the same one?) was at Elgin s.p., (M&MLD); 1 adult male, Bully Cr. MNWR, 18 Sep (TR); 1 subadult off UNI, 17 Nov (TB). Res., MAL, 3 Nov (DH). Table Rock, Umatilla NF, UMA, 19 Black-crowned Night-Heron-10, Long-tailed Duck-1, MNWR, 20 Oct Sep (MD, HHr); 1, John Day, GRA, Ladd Marsh WMA, UNI, 16 Aug (DE); 1 at Howard Bay, Upper 22 Sep (OL); 1, Flagtail Mt., GRA, (TB); 1, Prineville s.p., CRO, 22 Sep Klamath Lk., KLA, 3 & 9 Nov (KTS, 28 Sep (TW); 1 juv. was chasing quail, (CG); 24 at roost in McNary WA, DHt); a second bird was at Lk. BR, 30 Oct-the bird was seen in the below McNary Dam, UMA, 2 Nov Ewauna, KLA, 9 Nov (KTS, DHt, area through 25 Nov (PB); 1 imm., (M&MLD); 1 adult, Taylor Lk., The FM). south fk., John Day R., GRA, 17 Nov Dalles, WAS, 25 Nov (M&MLD). Bufflehead-20, Suttle Lk., JEF, 23 (OL). White-faced Ibis-15, GR, 8 and 16 Oct (DA); 10,000 (!), Upper Klamath Red-shouldered Hawk-Sightings Aug (CG). Lk., KLA, 16 Nov (PTS). continue to increase in eastern Oregon: Turkey Vulture-1, upper Buzzard Cr., Common Goldeneye-1, Ochoco Res., 1, Sparks Lk. in high Cascades, DES, Umatilla NF, WAL, 14 Aug (MD); 1, CRO, 17 Oct (CG). 15 Sep to end of period (JM et al.); 1, John Day, GRA, 24 Sep (OL). Barrow's Goldeneye-20, Rufus, SHE, Crane Prairie Res., DES, 13 Oct (SK); Greater White-fronted Goose-1, 6 Nov (CC). 2, 5 Sep and 1, 20 Sep, P-Ranch, Redmond s.p., DES, 5 Sep (MM); Common Merganser-155 were MNWR (SM, TR); 1, Lost R. near 100, MNWR, 18 Sep (TR). attracted to spawning 7-15-inch Stateline, KLA, 21 Sep (KTS). Snow Goose-1st arrival in CRO was sockeye salmon (kokanee) along the BROAD-WINGED HAWK-Only 1 17 Oct (CG). s. shore of Wallowa Lk., WAL, 30 Sep bird reported from the Bonney Butte Trumpeter Swan-1, GR, 8 and 16 (MD). Hawk Watch, HDR, on 24 Sep. Aug (CG); 4, Roaring Spring Ranch, Red-breasted Merganser-1 near Swainson's Hawk-4, GR, 16 Aug HAR, 8 Sep (AC); 1, Bully Cr. Res., Heppner, MOR, 24 Nov (EE). (CG); 1, Walton Lk., CRO, 16 Aug- MAL, 3 Nov (DH); 1, Dayville, GRA, Ruddy Duck-5000 at Howard Bay, not recorded from this hex (25858) 12 Nov (TH). Upper Klamath Lk., KLA, 21 Sept during atlas (JS); 1 light-morph adult Tundra Swan-1, Mt. Vernon, GRA, were considered seemingly typical over Bald Mt., Umatilla NF, UNI, was 20 Oct (OL); 15, Redmond s.p., DES, early fall numbers for this species at seen at 5000+ ft. over dense conifer 31 Oct (KO); 26, Bully Cr. Res., MAL, that location (KTS). forest-as MD noted, Isnt migration 3 Nov (DH); 9, Hot Lk., UNI, 13 Nov Osprey-1, John Day, GRA, 18 Sep wonderful!! (M&MLD). (TB); 300, Antelope Res., CRO, 16 (AF); 1, Phillips Res., BAK, 6 Oct Ferruginous Hawk-1, Telocaset, Nov (CG). (CCg); 1, below Bully Cr. Res., MAL, UNI, 20 Aug (TB); 4+, near Fugate Wood Duck-1 female, Rhinehart 3 Nov (DH). and Lower Klamath Rds., KLA, 21 Bridge, UNI, 3 Aug (TS, DS); 3, MISSISSIPPI KITE-A single bird Sept (KTS); 2, GR, 16 Nov (CG). Prineville s.p., CRO, 8 Aug (CG); 86, was reported at Baker City, BAK, on Rough-legged Hawk-1 near Burns, McNary WA, UMA, 2 Nov 9 Aug (MCo). This is within the HAR, 6 Nov (SS); 1, Bonney Butte (M&MLD); 2 adult males, Taylor Lk., period when this species is known to Hawkwatch, HDR, 12 Oct (DHz); 2, The Dalles, WAS, 25 Nov (M&MLD). wander north of its breeding range, Wickiup Res., DES, 13 Oct (SK); 1, Blue-winged Teal-20, Thief Valley but no details have been forthcoming GR, 16 Nov (CG). Res., UNI, 6 Aug (TB). to the OBRC; efforts to relocate the Merlin-3, LAK, 18 Aug (CM, MM); Canvasback-1, GR, 8 Aug (CG); 4, bird were unsuccessful. 1, Thief Valley Res., UNI, 25 Sep Hatfield Lk., DES, 25 Oct (JM). Bald Eagle-1 ad. & 1 imm., GR, 8 (TB); 1, Red Bridge at Hwy. 224, UNI, Lesser Scaup-1, Baker City, BAK, 4 Aug (CG); 8 in CRO on 16 Nov with 28 Sep (AP); 1 suckleyi, at the Oct (TW). 6 at GR (CG); 1, Hat Rock SP, UMA, Umapine feedlots, UMA, 12 Oct Surf Scoter-An excellent year for this 2 Nov (M&MLD). (M&MLD); 1, Prineville cemetery, species east of the mountains, part of Sharp-shinned Hawk-AC noted that CRO, 9 Nov (CG); 1 with kill, BR, a trend within the inland Northwest: this was most common migrant hawk 21 Nov (PB). 1, GR, 16 Nov, was the 4, Joseph s.p., WAL, 29 Sep (FC); 7, in Harney on his trips there this 1st CG had detected at this locale. Wallowa Lk., WAL, 12 Oct (FC); 1, season. 1, FS Rd. 6230, Umatilla NF, Peregrine Falcon-1 subadult below mouth of the Deschutes R., WAS/SHE, UNI, 10 Oct (MD); 1, Love Res., McNary Dam, UMA, 2 Nov, was 12 Oct (AS); 7, Wickiup Res., DES, MAL, 20 Oct (DH); 1, Taylor Lk., stooping on gulls flying between the 13 Oct (SK), with 9 there 27 Oct (JM, The Dalles, WAS, 25 Nov (M&MLD). dam and the Hwy. 395 bridge HHo); 4 females, Ochoco Res., CRO, Cooper's Hawk-1, GR, 16 Nov, was (M&MLD).
Oregon Birds 29(1): 56, Spring 2003 Prairie Falcon-1 was making passes Res., CRO, 22 Aug (CG). Chickahominy Res., HAR. at drinking Sage Grouse at a small Black-necked Stilt-6, Prineville s.p., Pectoral Sandpiper-2 on 11 Aug and stock res. off Crowley Cr. near CRO, 4 Aug (CG). 10 on 15 Aug, LaGrande s.p., UNI Stockade Mt., HAR, 11 Sep (PB); 1, American Avocet-3, Kinney Lk., (TB); 4, LaGrande s.p., UNI, 11 Oct Farewell Bend, MAL, 20 Oct (DH); WAL, 4 Aug (TS, DS); 2 on 8 Aug (TB); 3, Cold Springs NWR, UMA, 1, UNWR, 5 Nov (HB); 1, Clyde and 7 on 16 Aug, GR (CG). 18 Oct (CC); 2, GR, 22 Sep, were the Holliday SP, GRA, 17 Nov (OL). Greater Yellowlegs-2, Ochoco Res., only ones found by CG in CRO this Chukar-7, Trail Cr., WAL, 31 Oct CRO, 22 Aug (CG); 1 at a small stock season. (JF); 1, Grizzly Mt., CRO, 20 Nov res. off Crowley Cr. near Stockade Dunlin-2, Taylor Lk., The Dalles, (CG). Mt., HAR, 11 Sep (PB). WAS, 25 Nov (M&MLD). Gray Partridge-120, corner of Airport Lesser Yellowlegs-25, LaGrande s.p., Short-billed Dowitcher-2, Hatfield and Wright Rds., UNI, 5 Nov (TB). UNI, 11 Aug (TB); 8, Ochoco Res., Lk., DES, 17 Aug (DT); 1, McKay Ruffed Grouse-2 along Lick Cr. Rd., CRO, 22 Aug (CG); 1, Lower Klamath Res., UMA, 3 Sep (SM). WAL, 5 Aug (TS, DS); 5, Ochoco NWR, KLA, 8 Nov (DHz). Long-billed Dowitcher-8, LaGrande Mts., CRO, 17 Aug (CG); 6, Trail Cr., Solitary Sandpiper-1, Redmond s.p., s.p., UNI, 3 Aug (TS, DS). WAL, 31 Oct (JF). DES, 4 Aug (KO); 3, LaGrande s.p., Wilson's Phalarope-1, Joseph s.p., Sage Grouse-6, Steens Mt., HAR, 3 UNI, 15 Aug (TB); 1, Hatfield Lk., WAL, 5 Aug (TS, DS); 1, Knox Pond, Aug (CG); several drinking from a DES, 17 Aug (DT). MNWR, 20 Sep (TR). small stock res. off Crowley Cr. near Willet-2, GR, 16 Aug (CG). Red-necked Phalarope-2, Joseph s.p., Stockade Mt., HAR, 11 Sep (PB); 6, Ruddy Turnstone-1, GR, 16 Aug WAL, 5 Aug (TS, DS); 3, Prineville GR, 22 Sep (CG). (CG). s.p., CRO, 4 Aug (CG); 8, Prineville Blue Grouse-3 birds at head waters Sanderling-1, Hatfield Lk., DES, 17 s.p., CRO, 8 Aug (CG); 20, LaGrande of Big Sheep Cr., WAL, 1 Aug (MD, Aug (DT); 1, Wickiup Res., DES, 24 s.p., UNI, 15 Aug (TB); 53, Hatfield RA); 5 along Sheep Cr. Rd., 4 Aug, Aug (KO); 1 on 6 Sep and 3 on 7 Sep, Lk., DES, 17 Aug (DT); 20, Ochoco and 5 along Lick Cr. Rd., 5 Aug, both Prineville s.p., CRO (CG); 2, Prineville Res., CRO, 22 Aug (CG); 200, Hines WAL (TS, DS); 1 ad., FS Rd. 6206, s.p., CRO, 25 Sep (CG); 1, s.p., HAR, 24 Aug (DM); 10-20, Knox above Troy, Umatilla NF, WAL Chickahominy Res., HAR, 7 Oct (TE). Pond, MNWR, 18 Sep (TR). (M&MLD); 1, 4 mi. w. of Troy along Pomarine Jaeger-1, Owyhee Res., FS Rd. 62, WAL, 12 Aug (MD, RJ); MAL, 16 Sep (MJ). 6, Ochoco Mts., CRO, 17 Aug (CG). Franklin's Gull-1, Prineville s.p., Wild Turkey-3, along FS Rd. 64 CRO, 4-8 Aug (CG). above Swamp Cr., Umatilla NF, UNI, Bonaparte's Gull-2, GR, 8 Aug (CG); 14 Aug (MD); 26, East Eagle Cr. Rd., 64, Hatfield Lk., DES, 25 Oct (JM); Wallowa-Whitman NF, BAK, 24 Sep 7 below McNary Dam, UMA, 2 Nov (AP); 310 birds in a single flock along (M&MLD); 20, Rufus, SHE, 6 Nov Upper Dry Cr., UMA, 30 Nov (CC); 2, below John Day Dam, SHE, (M&MLD)-MD noted: This is the 24 Nov (M&MLD). largest number of wild turkeys we Mew Gull-2 adults below McNary Sanderling, 10 Sep, Prineville Sewage have ever seen in one group at one Ponds, Crook Co. Photo/C. Gates Dam, UMA, 2 Nov (M&MLD); 2, time. It must be like a giant rototiller below John Day Dam, SHE, 24 Nov to have a group of this size foraging (M&MLD). through an area. Semipalmated Sandpiper-2, California Gull-A one-legged Mountain Quail-~20 on 29 Oct and Redmond s.p., DES, 4 Aug (KO); 1, individual returned for the 5th 2 on 30 Oct, south fk., John Day R., Thief Valley Res., UNI, 6 Aug (TB); consecutive year to East Lk., DES, in GRA (TW); 8, Trail Cr., WAL, 31 Oct 2, LaGrande s.p., UNI, 11 Aug (TB); Sep (KJ). (JF); 15, near Canyon City, GRA, 11 1, Summer Lk., LAK, 7 Aug (DT). Glaucous-winged Gull-3, below John Nov (JSr); 15 near Deardorff Summit, Western Sandpiper-5 at Painted Cove Day Dam, SHE, 24 Nov (M&MLD); FS Rd. 13, 16 Nov (JSr). Res., Painted Hills Unit of John Day 1, Redmond s.p., DES, 26 Nov (KO). Virginia Rail-1, 8 Aug and 2 on 16 Fossil Beds, WHE, 17 Aug (JS). Sabine's Gull-1 juv., Chicken Spring Aug, GR (CG). Least Sandpiper-4, Taylor Lk., The Res., HAR, 10 Sep (PB). Sora-1, GR, 16 Aug (CG). Dalles, WAS, 25 Nov (M&MLD). Caspian Tern-An outstanding late American Coot-1, Baker City, BAK, Baird's Sandpiper-2, LaGrande s.p., record was of a bird at Christmas 4 Oct (TW); 1, Christmas Valley, UNI, 3 Aug (TS, DS); 12, LaGrande Valley, LAK, 7 Nov (MM). LAK, 7 Oct (TW). s.p., UNI, 11 Aug (TB); 12, Hatfield Common Tern-1, Redmond s.p., Sandhill Crane-1, UNWR, 6 Oct Lk., DES, 17 Aug (DT); 7, GR, 16 DES, 5 Sep (KO); 18, McNary Dam, (HB). Aug (CG); 14, Ochoco Res., CRO, 22 UMA, 8 Sep (SM). Black-bellied Plover-1, Hatfield Lk., Aug (CG). AC noted that these were Arctic Tern-1, Redmond s.p., DES, 5 DES, 4 Aug (JM); 4, Cold Springs quite easy to find at every sizable Sep (KO). NWR, UMA, 18 Oct (CC). water feature in e. Oregon Sep 6-9. Eurasian Collared-Dove-The bird that Semipalmated Plover-1, LaGrande No large numbers, just a few at every has been seen in the Joseph, WAL, s.p., UNI, 11 Aug (TB); 2, Ochoco site. His high count was 8 at area continues at FCs feeders-seen
Oregon Birds 29(1): 57, Spring 2003 on 4 Aug (PTS). One (another? same 13-14 Sep (PB); 1, Cottonwood Cr., 8 Oct (MD); 1, Mt. Fanny summit, bird?) was seen in flight on Kinney HAR, 18 Sep (TR). UNI, 11 Oct (TB). Lk. Rd., 4 Aug (TS, DS). Black Swift-1, MNWR, 6 Sep (DE). Yellow-shafted Flicker-1, BR, 2 Oct Band-tailed Pigeon-1, Fields, HAR, Vaux's Swift-55+ birds whirling in (PB). 27 Sep (SW). a tight vortex from 2-10 meters above Pileated Woodpecker-1, along Mottet Mourning Dove-1, BR, 21 Oct, was the ground on the edge of a clearing Cr., Umatilla NF, UNI, 5 Aug (MD); noted as very late for the location (PB). 2.3 miles west of Tollgate, UMA, 12 1, Hash Rock, CRO, 9 Nov (CG). Barn Owl-1 at OL home, John Day, Aug (MD). Olive-sided Flycatcher-3, along GRA, 28 Sep. Black-chinned Hummingbird-1 at Mottet Cr., Umatilla NF, UNI, 5 Aug Flammulated Owl-1, MNWRHQ, 7 Frank Conleys feeder, Joseph, WAL, (MD). Sep (AC). 3 Aug (TS, DS); 1, Dale Store, GRA, Western Wood-Pewee-1, MNWR, 5 Aug-locals had noted that most of 18 Sep (TR). the hummers had left Dale about two Willow Flycatcher-1, GR, 16 Aug weeks previous (TS, DS); at least 3 (CG); noted as still moving at females, MNWRHQ, on the late dates MNWRHQ 7-9 Sep (AC). of 7-8 Sep (AC); 1, BR, 13 Sep (PB); Hammond's Flycatcher-1, Ochoco 1, John Day, GRA, 18 Sep (OL). Ranger Station, CRO, 22 Aug (CG); Anna's Hummingbird-An adult male 1 calling bird, MNWR, 18 Sep (TR); was seen in Bend, DES, throughout 1, Ochoco Mts., CRO, 22 Sep (CG); the period; the female was seen less 1 well-seen bird at Tumalo Falls SP, frequently (DT). 1 Oct, was a record late date for DES; Calliope Hummingbird-1 female, another unidentified Empidonax was BR, 18-20 Sep (PB); 1, Mt. Vernon, seen that day as well (DT). GRA, 21 Sep (AF); 1, John Day, GRA, Gray Flycatcher-1, Sisters, DES, 16 Flammulated Owl, 7 Sep, Malheur 23 Sep (OL); 1, Bend, DES, 6 Oct Sep (ST). National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters, (JMo). Cordilleran Flycatcher-1, Flagtail Harney County. Photo/A. Contreras Broad-tailed Hummingbird-1 female, Mt., GRA, 29 Sep (TW). Steens Mt., HAR, 31 Aug (MkM). Black Phoebe-1-2, Lost R. near Western Screech-Owl-1, Cottonwood Rufous Hummingbird-At least 5 still Stateline, 21 Sep-9 Oct are rare for Canyon, HAR, 18 Sep (TR); 1, Sage at MNWRHQ, 7-8 Sep (AC); 1, John KLA (KTS, DHt). Hen Hills juniper camp spot along Day, GRA, 18 Sep (OL); 1, Mt. Say's Phoebe-1, Bald Mtn, Umatilla Double OO Road, HAR, 11 Oct (TR). Vernon, GRA, 22 Sep (AF). NF, UNI, 8 Sep, was a migrating bird Northern Pygmy-Owl-1 in desert e. Lewis's Woodpecker-6, Olollie Lk., out of normal habitat (M&MLD); 1, of Burns, Harney, 18 Sep (TR); 1, JEF, 31 Aug (DA); 1, Benson Pond, MNWR, 4 Oct (CB); last reported BR, Crooked R., CRO, 11 Oct (CG) MNWR, 18-20 Sep (TR). 12 Oct (PB). Barred Owl-1, Clarno, WHE, 16 Oct Williamson's Sapsucker-At least 1 Eastern Kingbird-6, Rhinehart (MB). pr. in the Walton Lk. vicinity, Bridge, UNI, 3 Aug (TS, DS); 3, 8 Great Gray Owl-1, Sunriver, DES, CRO/WHE, 16-17 Aug (JS); 1, Aug, and 1, 16 Aug, GR (CG). 16 Aug (TL); 1, Bear Valley, GRA, MNWRHQ, 4-7 Sep (SM); 1 Flagtail Loggerhead Shrike-1, GR, 8 Aug Oct-Nov (TH). Mt., GRA, 28 Sep (TW). (CG); 3, Painted Hills Unit, John Day Long-eared Owl-1, Thief Valley Res., YELLOW-BREASTED Fossil Beds, WHE, 17 Aug (JS); 1, UNI, 25 Sep (TB); a pr. circled SAPSUCKER-1 immature, Long MNWR, 11-12 Oct (TR); 1, rd. from overhead then landed in a juniper near Creek, GRA, 8 Sep. A description has Farewell Bend to Love Res., MAL, the juniper campsite on Double OO been sent to the OBRC (SM). 20 Oct (DH); 1 near Ft. Rock, 23 Nov Rd., HAR, 11 Oct (TR); 1, Redmond Red-naped x Red-breasted (KJ). s.p., DES, 26 Nov (KO). Sapsucker-1 near Scott Lk. Rd., near Northern Shrike-1, MNWR, 5 Oct BOREAL OWL-Birders once again McKenzie Pass, DES, 9 Sep (AC). (SSh); 1, LaGrande, UNI, 11 Oct (TB); sought this bird near Tollgate, near Red-breasted Sapsucker-1, 1, UNWR, 5 Nov (HB); 1, John Day, jct. of FS Rds. 64 & 65, Umatilla NF, Frenchglen, HAR, 5 Oct (CB fide AC). GRA, 8 Nov (TH); 1, near B & K WAL: 1, 19 Oct (DHe); 3, 26 Oct Hairy Woodpecker-1, Fields, HAR, Auto Salvage, UNI, 13 Nov (TB); 1, (MD, HB, MC); 1, 28 Oct (MD). 4-7 Sep (SM); 4, Spring Mt., Umatilla CRO, 16 Nov (CG); 4 near Ft. Rock, Northern Saw-whet Owl-1, NF, UNI, 7 Oct (MD); 1 near Horse 23 Nov (KJ). MNWRHQ, 4 Oct (AC); 1, Spring Ranch Canyon, DES, 23 Nov (KJ). Cassin's Vireo-1, MNWR, 18 Sep Mt., Umatilla NF, UNI, 7 Oct (MD); White-headed Woodpecker-1, (TR). 1, Stillwater CG, Crooked R., 14 Oct Cedar/Clark Cr. Rd., Elgin/Wallowa Warbling Vireo-5, along Mottet Cr., (CG). NF, UNI, 17 Nov (TB). Umatilla NF, UNI, 5 Aug (MD); noted Common Nighthawk-25-30 at one Three-toed Woodpecker-A male was as still moving at MNWRHQ 7-9 time flying over East Lk., DES, late feeding a juv., Lick Cr. Tr., WAL, 5 Sep (AC); 1, MNWR, 18 Sep (TR). Aug (HR); 1, MNWR, 5 Oct (CB). Aug (TS, DS); 1 female, working a Gray Jay-3, Spring Mt., Umatilla NF, Common Poorwill-3, Medical Douglas-fir at 5820 ft. elev., above UNI, 7 Oct (MD); 1, Austin Jct., GRA, Springs, UNI, 15 Aug (TB); 1, BR, Elk Cr., Wallowa-Whitman NF, BAK, 20 Oct (OL).
Oregon Birds 29(1): 58, Spring 2003 Western Scrub-Jay-Birds reported Golden-crowned Kinglet-35+, along American Pipit-15, Ochoco Res., outside the current expected range FS Rd. 6403, Umatilla NF, UNI, 30 CRO, 22 Aug and 22 Sep (CG); 7 in included 1, 4 mi. se of Mitchell, 21 Nov (M&MLD). flooded pasture 1 mi. e. of Halfway, Sep (JG); 1, John Day, GRA, 22 Sep Blue-gray Gnatcatcher-1, Tumalo BAK, 2 Oct (MD); many, Lower (OL); 1 that came to BR on and off Res., DES, 21 Sep (JGk). Klamath NWR, 5 Oct (KTS); 300+ in from 30 Sep-7 Nov (PB); 1 near the Western Bluebird-1 adult male, flooded field beside Fruitvale Rd., Cascades Crest on Hwy. 242, DES, 6 Irrigon Marina Pk., MOR, 24 Nov UMA, 12 Oct (M&MLD); 100s, Oct (SS); 2, Burns, HAR, 9 Oct to end (M&MLD). Wickiup Res., DES, 27 Oct (JM). of period (RV). Mountain Bluebird-4, North Flat Bohemian Waxwing-1, Elgin, UNI, Pinyon Jay-14, BR, 28 Aug (PB); Spring, Umatilla NF, UNI, 7 Oct 17 Nov (TB); 13, BR, 28 Nov (PB). 219, Sisters, DES, 14 Sep (SSh); 300, (MD). Cedar Waxwing-45, Ontario Rest Ft. Rock, LAK, 22 Nov (KJ). Townsend's Solitaire-1, BR, 1 Aug Area, I-84, MAL, 20 Oct (DH). Clark's Nutcracker-2 were at a lower (PB); 2, Bully Cr. Res., MAL, 3 Nov PHAINOPEPLA-1 was reported at elevation habitat than expected, Little (DH). MNWR, 19 Sep (M&SG), but no other Sheep Cr., WAL, 31 Oct (JF); 3 adults Veery-1, Ochoco Ranger Station, observers saw the bird and no details pestering a lone Red-tailed Hawk off CRO, 22 Aug (CG). have been forthcoming to the OBRC. Bald Mt., Umatilla NF, UNI, 30 Nov Swainson's Thrush-1, MNWRHQ, Tennessee Warbler-1, MNWRHQ, 6 (M&MLD). 7 Sep (AC); 1, HAR, 18 Sep (TR). Sep (AC); 1 first-fall bird (few details), Purple Martin-1, MNWR, 6 Sep Hermit Thrush-1, 18 Sep, and 5, 11 East Lk., DES, 18 Sep (KJ); 1 first- (DE). Oct, MNWR (TR); 2, Wildcat Tr., ne fall bird, MNWRHQ, 20-21 Sep (TR). Violet-green Swallow-70, Pelton of Prineville, CRO, 20 Oct (CG). Orange-crowned Warbler-4, along Dam, JEF, 21 Sep was a significant Varied Thrush-1, MNWRHQ, 18 Sep Mottet Cr., Umatilla NF, UNI, 5 Aug number as the late date for this species (TR); 2, FS Rd. 6230, Umatilla NF, (MD); 1 near Walton Lk., WHE, 17 for the county is 22 Sep (DT). UNI, 10 Oct (MD); 3, MNWRHQ, Aug-this species was not found in hex Bank Swallow-600, MNWR, 25 Aug 11-13 Oct (TR); 10, Wildcat Tr., ne 25858 during the atlas; significant (CM, MM). of Prineville, CRO, 20 Oct (CG); 1, movement in MNWR area in 1st week Barn Swallow-2, MNWRHQ Pond, UNWR, 5 Nov (HB). of Oct (AC). 13 Oct (TR). Gray Catbird-6, Rhinehart Bridge, Nashville Warbler-1 near Walton Lk., Mountain Chickadee-Reported from UNI, 3 Aug (TS, DS); 1, Tumalo Res., CRO, 16 Aug-this species was not MWNRHQ, 29 Nov (PB). DES, 4 Aug (HHo); 1, Riley Pond, found in hex 25858 during the atlas; Chestnut-backed Chickadee-Small HAR, 24 Aug (JM). 1, MNWRHQ, 18 Sep (TR); 2, flock at Crane Prairie Res., DES, 13 Ochoco Mts., CRO, 22 Sep (CG); 1, Oct (SK). John Day, GRA, 30 Sep (OL); 1 Bushtit-2, Rhinehart Bridge, UNI, 3 female, MNWRHQ, 7 Oct (AC). Aug (TS, DS); 12, GR, 16 Aug (CG). Yellow Warbler-1, MNWRHQ, 18 Brown Creeper-1, Walton Lk., CRO, Sep (TR). 22 Aug (CG); 1, MNWRHQ, 12-13 Black-throated Blue Warbler-1 Oct (TR). female, Burns, HAR, 12-13 Oct (RV, Rock Wren-1, East Lk., DES, 13 Sep JSu). (KJ); 1, rd. from Farewell Bend to Yellow-rumped Warbler-1, Love Res., MAL, 20 Oct (DH). MNWRHQ, 18 Sep (TR); 300, Canyon Wren-1, Little Sheep Cr., MNWR, 11 Oct (TR); 6, Farewell WAL, 31 Oct (JF). Bend, MAL, 20 Oct (DH). Bewick's Wren-1, Rhinehart Bridge, Black-throated Gray Warbler-Imm. UNI, 3 Aug (TS, DS); 1, Ladd Marsh female, Bend, DES, 23 Sep (DT). WMA, UNI, 16 Aug (TB). Townsends Warbler-1, Flagtail Mt., House Wren-1, MNWR, 18 Sep (TR); GRA, 28 Sep (TW). 1 adult was inspecting a newly toppled Hermit Warbler-1 first-fall bird, Douglas-fir at 5714 ft. elev., 1 mi. e. Benson Pond, MNWR (TR). TR was of upper Elk Cr., Wallowa-Whitman able to eliminate possible hybrid NF, BAK, 2 Oct (MD); 1, Lost R. near possibilities. Stateline, 9 Oct, was near the late date Sage Thrasher ,4 Aug, 2002 Harney PRAIRIE WARBLER-1, mouth of in KLA for the species (DHt fide County. Photo/C. Gates the Deschutes R., SHE, 21 Sep (DB). KTS). BLACKPOLL WARBLER-1, Winter Wren-2, 4-5 Sep, and 1, 18 Sage Thrasher-4, GR, 8 Aug (CG); MNWRHQ, 13 Sep (George Sep and 11-12 Oct, MNWRHQ (TR); 3, BR, 30 Sep; 2 of the birds stayed Armistead et al.); 1 first-fall bird, 1, BR, 19 Oct (PB); 4 Wildcat Tr., ne until 27 Nov, and 1 until 6 Dec (PB); MNWR, 20-21 Sep (TR et al.). of Prineville, CRO, 20 Oct (CG). 1, GR, 16 Nov (CG). Black-and-white Warbler-1, American Dipper-12 along n. fk. of BROWN THRASHER-1, Honey MNWRHQ, 20 Sep (SG). Meacham Cr., Umatilla NF, UMA Creek, n. of Hwy. 140, w. of Plush, American Redstart-1, Fields, HAR, (MD, KL, DB). LAK, 5 Oct (HH). 4-6 Sep (SM).
Oregon Birds 29(1): 59, Spring 2003 Ovenbird- 1, 4, McNary WA, UMA, 2 MNWRHQ, 8 Sep (AC, Nov (M&MLD). DF). Snow Bunting-Up to 50, Northern Thief Valley Res., UNI, Waterthrush-Some 18 Nov to end of period interesting Harney Co. (TB). sightings: 1, Buena Rose-breasted Grosbeak- Vista Station, MNWR, 1 imm. male, Bend, DES, 30 Aug (NS); 1, in ditch 14 Sep (DT); 1, behind Frenchglen MNWRHQ, 28 Sep Motel, 19 Sep (TR). (SW). KENTUCKY Lazuli Bunting-1 adult WARBLER-An male, Skull Hollow, JEF, immature female was 21 Sep, was a record late reported at the Redmond date for the county (DT). s.p., DES, 28 Aug, but INDIGO BUNTING-1, details have not been Fields, HAR, 6 Sep (SM). forwarded to the OBRC Western Meadowlark- (KO). 2 near Walton Lk., WHE, Northern Waterthrush, 30 Aug, Buena Vista Station, Malheur National MacGillivray's Wildlife Refuge, Harney County. Photo/N. Strycker were in a small meadow Warbler-2, along in predominantly Mottet Cr., Umatilla NF, ponderosa pine forest UNI, 5 Aug (MD); 6, Ochoco Ranger (TR); 1, John Day, GRA, 2 Oct (OL); with scattered meadows (JS). Station, CRO, 22 Aug (CG); 1, 5, Taylor Lk., The Dalles, WAS, 25 Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch-60, South MNWRHQ, 18 Sep (TR); 1, Bend, Nov (M&MLD). Sister, DES, 28 Aug (JMo); 1, Steens DES, 3 Oct, was one day short of the Lincoln's Sparrow-3 birds along Mt., HAR, 31 Aug (MkM); 1, Tumalo fall late record (DT). upper Jarboe Cr., Umatilla NF, WAL, Falls, DES, 23 Sep (DT); flock at Common Yellowthroat-1, 20 Aug, were still feeding young and Abert Rim, LAK, 26 Oct (TSe); 100, MNWRHQ, 18 Sep (TR); at least six defending territory in a wet sedge near Catherine Cr. SP, UNI, 1 Nov around MNWR, 5-7 Oct, were very meadow band next to the creek (MD); (TB); 12 at Grizzly Butte and 3 at late according to Littlefield-the number 1, Twin Springs Res., HAR, 9 Sep Hash Rock, CRO, 9 Nov (CG); 9, Pilot of birds that late were noted as (PB); 1, MNWR, 18 Sep (TR); Butte, DES, 11 Nov (CG); 1000, Bald significant (AC). many, KLA, 5 Oct (KTS); a Mt., UMA, 16 Nov (CC, JC); 23 of HOODED WARBLER-2 males, movement noted around Fields, HAR, the Hepburns race, along FS Rd. 6403, MNWRHQ, 7-24 Sep (GA, AC, TR, 6 Oct (AC); 1, sw Nyssa, MAL, 20 Umatilla NF, UNI, 30 Nov et al.). Reports have been submitted Oct (DH). (M&MLD). to the OBRC. White-throated Sparrow-1, Fields, Black Rosy-Finch-Many reports of Wilson's Warbler-1, MNWR, 18 Sep HAR, 23 Sep (JM); 1, MNWRHQ, this species at the East Rim Overlook, (TR); 1, MNWR, 7 Oct (CB). 13-14 Oct (TR); 1, John Day, GRA, Steens Mt., HAR, in Sep (mob). Western Tanager-10+, along Mottet 10 and 21 Oct (OL); 1, BR, 24 Oct Pine Grosbeak-2 near Bonney Lk., Cr., Umatilla NF, UNI, 5 Aug (MD); (PB). WAL, 4 Aug (TS, DS); 1 female, East 1, Fields, HAR, 18 Sep (TR) Harris's Sparrow-1, John Day, GRA, Lk., DES, 17 Sep (KJ). Green-tailed Towhee-1, Bowman 17 Nov (OL); 1, Redmond s.p., DES, Purple Finch-1, corner of Foothill Dam, CRO, 20 Oct (NM). 22 Nov (KO). and Hot Lk. Rds., UNI, 13 Nov (TB). American Tree Sparrow-6, corner Golden-crowned Sparrow-1, Cassin's Finch-6, FS Rd. 6230, of Airport and Wright Rds., UNI, 5 Christmas Valley, LAK, 7 Oct (TW); Umatilla NF, UNI, 10 Oct (MD). Nov (TB); 12, corner of Foothill and Red Crossbill-6, along Mottet Cr., Hot Lk. Rds., UNI, 13 Nov (TB). Umatilla NF, UNI, 5 Aug (MD); 12 Brewer's Sparrow-1, Twin Springs FS Rd. 6206, above Troy, Umatilla Res., HAR, 9 Sep (PB). NF, WAL (M&MLD). Vesper Sparrow-4, Dead Horse Lk., Evening Grosbeak-1, MNWRHQ, WAL, 1 Aug (MD, RA); 1, Twin 14 Oct (TR); 30, BR, 24 Oct (PB). Springs Res., HAR, 9 Sep (PB); 1, Chickahominy Res., HAR, 31 Oct (SSh). Lark Sparrow-1, Kinney Lk., WAL, 4 Aug (TS, DS). Black-throated Sparrow-1 juv, 15 Aug, and 1 adult, 16 Aug, coming to Hooded Warbler, 15 Sep, Malheur National birdbath, BR (PB). Wildlife Refuge, Harney County. Fox Sparrow-1, MNWR, 18 Sep Photo/K.Smith
Oregon Birds 29(1): 60, Spring 2003 Observers (Reporters listed in bold): HHr Hans Hemstetiller; HR Holly OL Clarence & Marilyn OLeary; AC Alan Contreras; AF Ann Frost; Rinehard; JC Judy Corder; JF Joe PB Patty Bowers; PTS Paul T. AP Al Prigge; AS Ann Shales; CB Fontaine; JG Joel Geier; JGk John Sullivan; QN Quinton Nice; RA Chris Butler; CCg Cecil Gagnon; Gerke; JM Judy Meredith; JMo Jim Ralph Anderson; RJ Rod Johnson; CG Chuck Gates; CM Craig Moodie; JS Jamie Simmons; JSr Miller; DA Don Albright; DB Dan Jim Souper; JSu Joan Suther; KJ RV Rick Vetter; SK Steve Kornfeld; Bowers; DE Duncan Evered; DF Ken Jones; KL Kristin Luke; KO SM Steve Mlodinow; SS Shawn Daniel Farrar; DH Dave Hazelton; Kimdel Owen; KTS Kevin T. Steinberg; SSh Steve Shunk; ST DHe Dave Herr; DHt Dave Haupt; Spencer; MC Marv Cooper; MCo Sue Tank; SW Sheran Wright; TB DHz Dave Helzer; DM Dennis Mark Colley; MD Mike Denny; Trent Bray; TE Tom Ewert; TH Manzer; DS David Smith; DT Dave MLD MerryLynn Denny; MJ Tom Hunt; TL Tom Love; TR Tim Tracy; EE Elias Elias; FC Frank Marlin Jones; MkM Mark Miller; Conley; FM Frank Mayer; GA MM Marilyn Miller; M&SG Mike Rodenkirk; TS Tim Shelmerdine; George Armistead; HB Howard & Sandy Greenberg; NM Nancy TSe Trent Seager; TW Tom Browers; HHo Howard Horvath; MacDonald; NS Noah Strycker; Winters; WT William Tice
Gray-crowned Rosy Finch, 9 Nov, Ochoco Mountains. Photo/K. Smith
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Needs Volunteers
The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is seeking volunteers to conduct songbird monitoring on the refuge. During spring and early summer refuge personnel and volunteers will be conducting baseline monitoring for songbird species in a variety of habitat types. Surveys will be done by sight and sound. Survey protocols have not yet been finalized, but surveys will be conducted in early morning hours. Volunteers may donate as little as one day or more if they so desire. Tualatin River NWR is currently closed to the public, so this is an opportunity to explore any of several units of the refuge. Visitor service facilities will be open in the coming years, and this is an opportunity to provide ground-level information.Refuge personnel will be having an orientation to refuge monitoring programs in the near future. For further information please contact refuge Wildlife Biologist Pete Schmidt at 503-590-5811 or [email protected].
Oregon Birds 29(1): 61, Spring 2003 Birds of the Upper Trout Creek Basin, Harney County Stephen Dowlan, PO Box 220, Mehama, OR 97384 [email protected]
There is only one route through the high elevation paradise of the Trout Creek Mountains of Harney County, if your mode of transportation has four wheels and is loaded with camping gear, water, banding nets and poles, beer, spotting scopes, binoculars, cameras and other essentials of expedition-style birding. In a few hours, this loop route can take a well-prepared birder from the barren playa of the Alvord Desert to the lush high country of the upper Trout Creek basin. The word lush may seem to be an odd word for a desert mountain range, but with all senses wide open and receptive, this rough road may adjust your definition of the term. It will certainly provide numerous photo-worthy views, and remind Trout Creek looking downstream from Paradise Camp. There are not many other you of the value of the word spots in the whole mountain range that are flat enough to pitch a tent! Photo/S. utility in the term sport-utility Dowlan vehicle. Laura Graves and I first that lined Trout Creek. This was, as 21 sec. west, elevation 7,000 feet. visited the Trout Creek Mountains far as I was concerned, paradise, I could almost shout into Nevada, in late July, 2000. We had spent two and I declared on the spot that we and we were in fact only 2 miles days in Oregon Canyon Mountains, would return on the following year, due north of the border. As soon as just a sweeping vista to the east, and in June, if possible. the tent and shade canopy were up, had decided to head to Frenchglen Early snow-melt offered us I set about clearing net lanes and after numerous lightning strikes sent the possibility that we hoped for, hanging mist nets. Three nets were up plumes of smoke within view of and we found our way back to the strung in the aspen forest and three the high promontories. The map paradise campsite on 7 June, in the willows along the unnamed made it obvious that we could easily 2001.... only to find a pickup parked tributary. Though Fox Sparrows be cut-off from escape in this in it! We had seen nobody since were my target species, I was also country, should one or more flame leaving the Fields store several hours hoping to capture a Grey-headed fronts crowd the few access routes. before. Despite my disappointment, Junco. The three aspen nets were We found the connecting road from I cheerfully greeted the pickups all within a few hundred feet of the Chicken Spring to the Trout Creek owner. Though his wife and small location of the previous years Mountains Access Road and daughter enjoyed splashing in a trout sighting. Since it was already late descended into the upper Trout hole there, he expressed his intention afternoon, the nets were furled and Creek basin. The wildflower and to find a flatter spot somewhere secured for use the next morning. butterfly display was outstanding to camp for the night. I carefully We spent the next three along the heights, and the road took suppressed my inner joy, and told mornings banding birds, and the us down from the headwaters of the man that we would head up the afternoons hiking, exploring by Trout Creek to the confluence with canyon to look around until they vehicle, and lazing around camp. a short unnamed tributary. At this moved on. Flat spots are very hard The family who had surrendered confluence, we found one of the to find in this country, but I decided paradise to us came by on the first most beautiful campsites I have ever to trust his judgement... maybe he morning, and I let the little girl touch seen. Butterflies packed around the knew something I did not! a live songbird for the first time in ford through Trout Creek, the An hour later, we returned her life. If there must be contact namesake fish lurked in every pool, to establish our base camp at the with fellow humans in a wilderness Fox Sparrows were singing in the confluence of the two streams, paradise, this is probably the best willows, and I spotted a hatch-year latitude 42 deg., 01 min., 33 sec. one could hope for. We banded 45 Gray-headed Junco in the aspens north, longitude 188 deg., 17 min., individuals of 19 species with our
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Oregon Birds 29(1): 63, Spring 2003 six nets during the first two while we were preparing to attend some birding on the fly. Snow keeps mornings, to the nets, four Black-crowned the full loop closed well into July including seven Fox Sparrows. By Night Herons came flapping in from after snowy winters. Weather measurements, these birds the northwest and disappeared into conditions are similar to Steens conformed to the shistacea race, the a patch of aspen on the slope near Mountain, and all of the same slate-colored form described by our campsite. This was not cautions apply. most authorities for For anyone in a this part of the Great low-clearance passenger Basin desert. On the vehicle, it is better to drive third morning, I with all of your attention placed three nets at focused on the road. Low- the interface between clearance passenger sage and riparian vehicles are unlikely to get willow habitats, and past the ford at Paradise banded my first ever Camp anyway, where a Green-tailed Towhee steep muddy descent taxes and a Brewers the undercarriage of Sparrow. anything on less than 15 I took one inch wheels that lacks skid extended hike several plates. Travel into the miles north heart of the Trout Creeks (downstream) through in a passenger car will Trout Creek canyon, limit the scope of where I heard at least Paradise Camp along Trout Creeks upper canyon, 7 - 9 June 2002. exploration, provided that two juncos call. The Photo S. Dowlan everything goes well. If first bird escaped everything does not go from view, but the second bird expected! That evening, we walked well, it is a long and arduous ride perched in plain sight - it was clearly up the road in twilight, and I decided home in a tow truck... if you can a grey-headed form of junco - but to whistle for Poorwills in some reach one by satellite phone or unfortunately, this was too far away likely looking rocky habitat upslope radio... and the driver is willing to to make it worthwhile to carry poles from the road. Very quickly, a bird come looking for you. In the riparian and attempt a capture. The riparian responded, and it played hopscotch zone of Trout Creek canyon the area consisted of patchy aspen and with us as we walked, calling all influence of bovine grazing animals willow cover, and I saw or heard the while. I was constantly torn is scarce. Elsewhere in the range, most of the species that would be between wanting to bird, botanize, this is not the case. However, there expected for this habitat anywhere and explore, or just relax in the are some charming cowboy camps else in the Great Basin. I was most shade, listen to the stream, and (cowboys always find the flat spots) surprised by the plant community watch the trout. scattered around, and a few even of the open slopes, where deep soils The Trout Creek Mountains have primitive outhouses. You still moist from snow melt grew an Public Access Road makes a huge cannot count on finding toilet paper interesting community consisting closed loop anchored to the though, but it is, after all, the wild, primarily of sagebrush, currant, and Whitehorse Ranch Road in Harney wild west. snowberry. Wildflowers and County. With a Bureau of Land Im not too worried about butterflies were abundant Management (BLM) map of the revealing the location of Paradise everywhere, but the birding kept me south half of the Burns District, or, Camp, because, by all appearances, focused away from those field the Benchmark Maps Road and very few people find their way there guides. White-crowned Sparrow Recreation Atlas for Oregon, the in any given year, and the condition was the most common songbird on route is fairly easy to follow, with of the road all but guarantees that the slopes, though in general, birds only a few confusing places. With this will not change soon. Still if (or were scarce here. a DeLorme map, it is not difficult when) Steens Mountain begins to Shortly after we had set up to get lost at all. Take all three, and feel too... well... discovered, the camp, I noticed an American Robin you will usually know where you Trout Creeks might be worth taking food into a willow near our are. For an experienced driver with considering when in search of that tent. We watched her feed noisy a high-clearance vehicle, the road got-away feeling that some of us gaping fledglings for the rest of our will forgive minor infractions to seek in the high mountains of stay. During our second morning, full-attention driving, permitting Oregons really Great Basin.
Oregon Birds 29(1): 64, Spring 2003 Birds Captured and Banded in the Trout Creek Mountains, 7 - 9 June 2001 Species Male C? Female B? Unk. Nest? Downy Woodpecker 1 Y Red-shafted Flicker 1 Y Dusky Flycatcher 1 Y 2 Warbling Vireo 1 Y 1 Violet-green Swallow 2 Y 3 Y Tree Swallow 1 Y 1 Y Y House Wren 2 Y Y American Robin 2 Y 1 Y Y Swainsons Thrush 4 Y 1 Y Orange-crowned Warbler 1 Y Yellow Warbler 3 Y 2 Y Audubons Warbler 1 Y MacGillivrays Warbler 1 Y Green-tailed Towhee 1 Y Brewers Sparrow 1 Y Mountain White-crowned Sparrow 1 Y Slate-colored Fox Sparrow 5 Y 2 Y Song Sparrow 2 Y 1 Y Cassins Finch 1 Y C? = breeding condition confirmed by cloacal protuberance B? = breeding condition confirmed by brood patch Nest? = Nest found in banding area
Species Detections by Habitat
Willow/Shrub with Running Gray Flycatcher Bushtit Water Dusky Flycatcher Mountain Bluebird Mallard Warbling Vireo American Robin Downy Woodpecker Violet-green Swallow Green-tailed Towhee Dusky Flycatcher Tree Swallow (N) Brewers Sparrow American Robin (N) House Wren (N) Vesper Sparrow Swainsons Thrush Mountain Bluebird Mountain White-crowned Sparrow Yellow Warbler American Robin Brown-headed Cowbird MacGillivrays Warbler Swainsons Thrush Slate-colored Fox Sparrow Orange-crowned Warbler Open Sagebrush Song Sparrow Yellow Warbler Golden Eagle Audubons Warbler Turkey Vulture Ceanothus Scrub Western Tanager Northern Harrier Dusky Flycatcher Black-headed Grosbeak Ferruginous Hawk Slate-colored Fox Sparrow Gray-headed Junco Mourning Dove Fox Sparrow Gray Flycatcher Aspen Forest Brown-headed Cowbird Horned Lark Black-crowned Night Heron (roost) Bullocks Oriole Rock Wren Accipiter sp. Cassins Finch Mountain Bluebird Red-breasted Sapsucker Sage Thrasher Downy Woodpecker Sagebrush, Snowberry and Brewers Sparrow Hairy Woodpecker Current Shrub Vesper Sparrow Red-shafted Flicker (N) Common Poorwill Brewers Blackbird Western Wood-Pewee Red-shafted Flicker
Oregon Birds 29(1): 65, Spring 2003 MEMBERS GALLERY
Special color edition
Hooded Warbler, 15 Sep, Malheur NWR Headquarters, Harney Co. Photo/Kevin Smith
Brown Thrasher, 23-26 Sep Jackson Co. Photo/Jim Livaudais
Snow Bunting, 18 Nov, Thief Valley Dam, Union Co. Photo/Trent Bray
Semipalmated and Western Sandpipers, 2 Sep, Agate Lake, Jackson Co. Photo/Jim Livaudais
White-throated Swift, 4 August, Crooked River Gorge, Jefferson Co. Photo/Kevin Smith
Oregon Birds 29(1): 66, Spring 2003 OFO Birding Weekends 2003
Center Pullout Section OFO Birding Weekends 2003 Ray Korpi Oregon Field Ornithologists will again offer a series of OFO Birding Weekends in 2003. The intent of OFO Birding Weekends is to introduce birders to new birds, to new areas of Oregon, and to birders from other parts of the state. This announcement covers the months from January to July; additional trips will be added once the OFO Annual Meeting is set. Participants are sent a letter in advance of each weekend, suggesting lodging, meeting place, likely birds, and other details. OFO Birding Weekends normally begin at dawn Saturday and end early Sunday afternoon. They are based in the same city both Friday and Saturday night. Most of our travel is by private cars on public roads, with some walks on trails. Costs of lodging, transportation (car pooling), and food are up to the individual participants. We usually eat supper together on Saturday night and have a "countdown" of species seen. Registration for OFO Birding Weekends is $15 per person for each weekend (except for the OFO Service Weekend). You do not need to be a member of OFO to participate in these weekends. However, you must register by the Tuesday before the weekend you plan to attend (decisions on cancellations will be made on that date). Make checks payable to Oregon Field Ornithologists or OFO. Send registrations to: Ray Korpi 12611 NE 99th St. Apt. DD-214 Vancouver WA 98682 [email protected] (360) 604-0122
Please use a separate form for each OFO Weekend that you wish to attend.
NAME ______
ADDRESS ______CITY, STATE, ZIP______
PHONE______EMAIL______
TRIP YOU PLAN TO JOIN ______NUMBER OF PEOPLE______
AMOUNT ENCLOSED ($15 PER PARTICIPANT) $ .
Clip this schedule and post it on your refrigerator Schedule of OFO BIRDING WEEKENDS - 2003
January 18-19 Union County - RESCHEDULED! See December 6-7
April 11-12 Columbia Basin Explore early spring migration in north-central Oregon. Target species will include waterfowl, Sandhill Cranes, Long-billed Curlews, and hopefully Burrowing Owls. We will look for lingering winter visitors as well as early spring arrivals. Base: Pendleton May 10-11 OFO Service WeekendHarney Co. On Saturday, we will do the North American Migration Count within Harney County. Saturday will be a day of fun counting, where we focus on learning better counting techniques while finding those birds people want to see. We will be working in as many habitats in and around Burns that day as we can (north into the pines, south to the refuge). On Sunday, a morning field trip will be offered as per the usual OFO weekends. The OFO Service Weekend is FREE to participants in Saturdays activities!! Those who want to come to only Sundays activity will need to pay the usual fee. Base: Burns June 20-22 Klamath Nights This will be a special trip to Klamath County to focus on evening and night birding. Trips will start at 6 pm on both Friday and Saturday. We will be seeking the elusive night birds such as Yellow Rail, Flammulated Owl, Western Screech-Owl, Great Gray Owl (maybe?) and other denizens of the evening. We will do some light daytime birding on both Saturday and Sunday as well, but most of our effort will be focused at night. Because of the nature of this trip, group size may be limited, group size may be split between the two nights, or an extension to either Thursday or Sunday may occur. Early registration will be important on this trip! Base: Klamath Falls July 12-13 Medford-Grants Pass This weekend will focus on the specialties of southwestern Oregon: California Towhee, Oak Titmouse, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. We will explore the Medford-Grants Pass area, looking for birds in this corner of Oregon. The Saturday activities will be focused early and late to avoid the summer heat (we will siesta in the afternoon and have an early supper before going back out in the evening). Base: Grants Pass August 2-3 Tillamook County We will spend much of the day on Saturday looking for shorebirds in and around Tillamook as well as looking for other specialities of the area (if El Nino continues as has been forecast, perhaps an Elegant Tern?). On Sunday, we will hike around Bayocean Spit, trying to time our walk at the spit with high tide, if possible. This has yielded wonderful shorebirds in past years, and good looks at various alcids can be gotten at the mouth of Tillamook Bay. Base: Tillamook December 6-7 Union County This will be our focused northeast Oregon winter bird trip where we will hopefully find the regions specialties. Target birds include Bohemian waxwing, American tree sparrow, perhaps snow buntings and redpolls, and well be looking for raptors in the Grande Ronde Valley. We will also do some getting-to-know the area so that people can prepare for a summer journey. Base: LaGrande MORE OFO WEEKENDS WILL BE SET UP ONCE THE OFO ANNUAL MEETING DATE IS SET!! Tentative dates are 25-26 October and 15-16 November with locations to be announced. Announcements will be made via Oregon Birds, the OFO web site, and area listservs. Grand Opening of Snag Boat Bend, Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Jennifer M. Weikel, 755 SE Summerfield Pl., Corvallis, OR 97333 [email protected] Join us May 10, 2003 to help celebrate the official opening of Snag Boat Bend to the public. In association with International Migratory Bird Day and the Refuge System Centennial, a celebration will be held to officially open the Snag Boat Bend Unit of the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge to the public. Planned events include an opening ceremony, awards presentation, tours of the parcel, discussions of current and future restoration work, and wildlife discussions and demonstrations. Snag Boat Bend was added to the Willamette Valley National Refuge Complex in 2000. The site is 341 acres in size and is located along the Willamette River, just south of the town of Peoria. Snag Boat Bend contains important habitat for birds and other wildlife including cottonwood and willow riparian habitat, riverine habitat, and freshwater wetlands and cropland habitat. Visitors to Snag Boat Bend can expect to observe numerous species of birds including Bullocks orioles, yellow warblers, wood ducks, green herons, great egrets, and spotted sandpipers. Observant visitors may even catch a glimpse of a western pond turtle, red-legged frog, or one of the resident beavers. Since acquisition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have added trails, an observation blind, and interpretive signs and have initiated extensive riparian habitat restoration work. In addition, a bird banding station was established within the cottonwood and willow habitat in 2001. The banding station has been funded by generous contributions by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Field Ornithologists, the Audubon Society of Corvallis and its members, and Pacific Wildlife Research. The site is run in cooperation with the Institute for Bird Populations as part of the Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship Program. This program was established to monitor population dynamics of over 120 species of North American landbirds in order to provide critical conservation and management information on their populations. Thus far, over 1,000 birds of 33 species have been captured at Snag Boat Bend over two breeding seasons. Come help us celebrate the wonders of bird migration and the opening of Snag Boat Bend. Snag Boat Bend is located off of Peoria Road, approximately one mile south of the town of Peoria, in Linn County. Festivities will begin at 10 AM. Contact the William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge (503-757-7236) for additional information. Ruffed Grouse, 22 Sep, Ochoco Ranger Station, Spruce Grouse, 6 September, Bowman's Trail Crook Co.Photo/Chuck Gates between Brownie Basin and Lostine Road, Wallowa Co. Photo/Wes Morgan
Oregon Birds PRSRT STD Oregon Field Ornithologists U.S. POSTAGE P.O. Box 10373 PAID Eugene, Oregon 97440 EUGENE, OR PERMIT #679
Address Service Requested
If your label says 29(1) then its time for you to renew! Use the convenient form in the center insert.